TREASURY

Employment Statistics

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were (a) in employment and (b) unemployed, expressed as a percentage of the total population in (i) Birmingham, (ii) the West Midlands region and (iii) London region in each of the past 10 years.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Lynne Jones, dated 26 November 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment and unemployment in Birmingham, the West Midlands and London. (82865)
	The attached tables give estimates of employment and unemployment expressed as a percentage of the total population aged 16 and over resident in the Birmingham Local Authority District, the West Midlands and London for each of the past 10 years. These estimates are from the Labour Force Survey (LFS).
	
		Table 1: Employment as a percentage of all persons aged 16 and over; resident in the Birmingham local authority district, West Midlands and London; June to August 1993 to 2002; not seasonally adjusted -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands London 
		
		
			 1993 (1)— 56.0 55.5 
			 1994 52.5 57.8 55.9 
			 1995 49.8 57.6 56.7 
			 1996 52.4 57.8 57.1 
			 1997 53.7 58.8 58.7 
			 1998 54.6 59.6 59.4 
			 1999 52.1 59.5 61.0 
			 2000 51.4 59.0 60.6 
			 2001 51.2 59.6 60.8 
			 2002 54.2 59.9 60.5 
		
	
	(1) Data not available
	Note:
	These Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are not seasonally adjust (NSA) and have not been adjusted to take account of the recent Census 2001 results. ONS are working toward producing reweighted LFS estimates based on the findings of the 2001 Census, which will be available from summer 2003.
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey
	
		Table 2: Unemployment as a percentage of all persons aged 16 and over; resident in the Birmingham local authority district, West Midlands and London; June to August 1993 to 2002; not seasonally adjusted -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands London 
		
		
			 1993 (2)— 7.4 8.9 
			 1994 9.5 6.3 8.3 
			 1995 8.6 5.6 8.0 
			 1996 7.7 5.7 7.5 
			 1997 7.9 4.8 6.3 
			 1998 5.8 4.1 5.3 
			 1999 6.1 4.4 5.0 
			 2000 6.3 3.7 4.8 
			 2001 4.9 3.4 4.3 
			 2002 6.6 3.8 4.6 
		
	
	(2) Data not available
	Note:
	These Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are not seasonally adjust (NSA) and have not been adjusted to take account of the recent Census 2001 results. ONS are working toward producing reweighted LFS estimates based on the findings of the 2001 Census, which will be available from summer 2003.
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey

Employment Statistics

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the numbers of jobs that have been created in the past six years in (a) Birmingham, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) the London region.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Lynne Jones, dated 26 November 2002
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of jobs that have been created in the last 6 years in (a) Birmingham, (b) West Midlands region and (c) London region. (82866)
	There are no figures for jobs created but an indication can be obtained by comparing the annual surveys of employee jobs. The Annual Business Inquiry (ABI) gives an estimate of the number of employee jobs in December of each year and the latest year for which figures are available is 2000. The ABI was preceded (prior to 1998) by the Annual Employment Survey (AES) which estimated employee jobs in September of each year, and comparisons can only be made if the AES data is rescaled. The earliest year for which rescaled AES figures are available is 1995.
	Between 1995 and 2000 the AES/ABI data show net increases in the number of employee jobs in the 3 specified areas of:
	a) Birmingham : 11,000
	b) West Midlands region : 150,000
	c) London region : 602,000

Employment Statistics

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the working age employment rate was for (a) each Government office region and nation of the UK and (b) each ward of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne at (i) April 2000, (ii) April 2001 and (iii) April 2002.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Cousins, dated 26 November 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about working age employment rates. (83243)
	The attached table gives estimates of working age employment and rates for each Government Office Region and nation of the UK, and for Newcastle Upon Tyne Local Authority District, for the three month periods ending May 2001 and May 2002.
	LFS estimates are available for three month periods; they are not available for calendar months. Estimates at ward level are not available.
	
		Working age (3) employment rates(4) by area of residence; United Kingdom; spring (March to May) 2001 and 2002; not seasonally adjusted -- Percentage
		
			 Government office region and countries of the UK March to May 2001 March to May 2002 
		
		
			 England 75.3 75.1 
			 North East 68.4 68.5 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 66.4 63.2 
			 North West 72.9 72.0 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 73.3 72.9 
			 East Midlands 75.6 76.5 
			 West Midlands 74.1 74.3 
			 Eastern 79.8 79.2 
			 London 71.1 70.9 
			 South East 80.3 80.1 
			 South West 78.8 79.0 
			 Wales 68.1 68.5 
			 Scotland 73.4 73.1 
			 Northern Ireland 67.1 67.5 
		
	
	(3) Men aged 16–64 and women aged 16–59.
	(4) Working age people in employment as a percentage of the working age population.
	Note:
	These Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are not seasonally adjusted (NSA) and have not been adjusted to take account of the recent Census 2001 results. ONS are working toward producing reweighted LFS estimates based on the findings of the 2001 Census, which will be available from summer 2003.
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey

Employment Statistics

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many constituencies unemployment has (a) risen and (b) (i) risen and (ii) fallen by more than 30 per cent. in the past year.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Peter Bottomley dated 26 November 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking for the number of constituencies unemployment has (a) risen and (b) risen and fallen by more than 30 per cent in the past year. (83294)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics for unemployment from surveys following the internationally standard International Labour Organisation definition. However, by parliamentary constituency the survey sample size is too small to provide estimates. ONS also compiles statistics of claimants of the Jobseeker's Allowance working age benefit.
	Between October 2001 and October 2002 there were 285 parliamentary constituencies out of a total 659 which showed an increase in the levels of claimant count over the year. In the same period, 24 parliamentary constituencies showed a rise of more than 30 per cent while none fell by more than 30 per cent.

Air Conditioning (Great George Street)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the reasons for installing air conditioning equipment using hydrofluorocarbons in its office at Great George Street.

Ruth Kelly: The air conditioning chillers installed in the refurbished Treasury building were procured by Exchequer Partnership in May 2000. At the time of the development of the brief and detailed design for the building the use of refrigerant containing HFCs was in accordance with the accepted industry best practice and fully in line with Government and international environmental and energy policy. The refurbishment has been independently assessed under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method and has been awarded an Excellent rating.

Barristers Fees (VAT)

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the unique deferred VAT liability system on barristers' fees; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The Barristers Deferment Scheme is available to barristers who cease to practise and sets out rules for accounting to Customs and Excise for any outstanding VAT. Like all special VAT accounting schemes, this scheme is kept under review by Customs.

Children (Poverty Statistics)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of children were living in poverty in each constituency in the last year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: Poverty is a complex multi-dimensional issue, affecting many aspects of children's lives—including income, health, housing, the quality of their environment and opportunities to learn. There is therefore no single measure of the number of families with children in poverty in each constituency of the UK.
	The Government have a PSA target to reduce by a quarter the number of children living in households below 60 per cent. of median income by 2004, compared with 1998–99.
	In XOpportunity for All", the Government's annual anti-poverty report, the Government report progress in tackling poverty and social exclusion against this and a range of other indicators. The annual XHouseholds Below Average Income" report, published by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Office for National Statistics, gives a breakdown of the percentage of children below the 60 per cent. median income threshold in each region of Great Britain. But no such information is available on a constituency-by-constituency basis.

Climate Change Levy

Dave Watts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of financial impact of the introduction of the Climate Change Levy tax on the glass industry;
	(2)  which industries have (a) gained and (b) lost from the introduction of the Climate Change Levy.

John Healey: All industries face the same challenges and opportunities from the climate change levy. All revenue from the levy is recycled back to business through reductions to employer national insurance contributions (NICs) and support for energy efficiency. While the levy package is broadly revenue neutral to business as a whole, the effects on any specific sector will depend on a number of factors, including:
	the future energy consumption of firms in the sector and the use they make of levy funded energy efficiency support;
	employment levels in those sectors and the benefits received from the levy funded NICs cuts;
	what use firms in that sector make of electricity generated from levy-exempt renewable sources of energy and combined heat and power; and
	use made of the 80 per cent. discount where-as in the case of glass-this is available via voluntary agreements with energy-intensive sectors.

Climate Change Levy

Sue Doughty: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated total of Treasury receipts from the Climate Change Levy is in 2002–03.

John Healey: The projection for CCL receipts in 2002–03 is shown in table C7 of the financial statement and Budget report 2002 and is £0.9 billion. An updated 2002–03 receipts projection for all duty heads, including CCL, will be published in the 2002 pre-Budget report on 27 November.

Coin Production

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  on what basis the Treasury decided not to put its contract for UK coin production out to tender; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans he has to open the next Treasury contract for the UK coin production to market competition.

Ruth Kelly: The Treasury keeps the arrangements for the supply of circulation coins under review. The current arrangements have several years to run. When the time comes, the Treasury will consider all the possible options for the future supply of UK circulation coin, including the possibility of commercial tendering.
	It would be improper at present to comment further on this issue, given that it may have a bearing on the case brought against the Treasury by the Birmingham Mint, which is currently before the courts. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Congestion Charging

Christopher Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the cost of tax relief in Central London road user charges incurred in the financial years ending 31March (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005.

John Healey: holding answer 19 November 2002
	The information on which to base an estimate of the cost is not available.

ECOFIN Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome of the ECOFIN Council held on 5 November was, what the Government's position was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Gordon Brown: I attended ECOFIN on 5 November.
	Council reached political agreement on the prospectus directive. I argued for greater freedom of choice of home state for issuers of non-equities, and secured an amendment to the text ensuring choice for all bonds denominated in units of 5,000 or more. A vote on the amended text was taken and a qualified majority obtained, with the UK voting in favour. In accordance with the revised Council rules of procedure following the Seville European Council, the initial debate and vote on the directive were held in public session.
	The Council noted the Commission's annual oral update on progress against the Risk Capital Action Plan.
	Professor Jaap Winter, Chair of the high level group of Company Law Experts outlined the key recommendations in his group's report on creating a modern regulatory framework for company law and corporate governance in the EU. This report was published on 4 November. Members of the Council noted the report and will discuss it in more detail at a later date.
	ECOFIN discussed, in restricted session, progress on the draft directive on the taxation of savings. The Presidency and the Commission reported on negotiations with third countries, which are to be concluded by end 2002 according to the timetable agreed at the Feira European Council.
	There was also a discussion on energy taxation. It was concluded that further preparatory work was needed on the outstanding issues ahead of further discussion at the December ECOFIN.
	Ministers decided that agreement on VAT Administrative Co-operation should be postponed until the December ECOFIN.
	ECOFIN noted a draft interim report from the Economic and Financial Committee and the Economic Policy Committee on ongoing work on streamlining economic and employment policy processes. It was agreed that further work on this should be undertaken jointly with the preparatory committee for the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council before the report is submitted to the Copenhagen European Council.
	In accordance with Article 104 of the Treaty, the Council agreed that Portugal had an excessive budget deficit, above the 3 per cent. limit, in 2001, and adopted a Recommendation for Portugal to bring the excessive deficit to an end by 31 December 2002.
	ECOFIN also agreed conclusions on the reform of governance of the European Investment Bank and the capital and reserves of the European Central Bank in light of enlargement.
	Under AOB, the economic and financial situation in the Lebanon was raised by the French Finance Minister.
	After the Council meeting, ECOFIN Ministers held a dialogue with their counterparts from the EU candidate countries.

Ethiopia (Debt Relief)

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to provide debt relief to Ethiopia; what recent discussions he has had with international organisations about providing debt relief to Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The UK is already providing 100 per cent. debt relief to Ethiopia. As a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Ethiopia is eligible for debt relief under the enhanced HIPC initiative. In November 2001 Ethiopia reached Decision Point under the initiative and qualified for interim debt relief on payments due. For its part the UK goes further than is required under the terms of the HIPC initiative and always provides 100 per cent. debt relief. The UK Government are working with other donors, the World bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help Ethiopia reach Completion Point under the HIPC initiative.
	At that point debt will be irrevocably cancelled. To reach Completion Point Ethiopia will need to have demonstrated a clear commitment to poverty reduction, and show how its country-owned poverty reduction strategies will be able to use the resources released by debt relief to reduce poverty. The IMF and World bank estimate that Ethiopia could reach Completion Point as early as July 2003.

EU Savings Directive

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made by his Department to (a) the Cayman Islands and (b) Bermuda seeking to encourage compliance with the EU Draft Savings Directive.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government have held a number of discussions with both territories.

Income Statistics

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what percentage of the population of (a) Birmingham, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) the London region had an income (i) twice, (ii) three times, (iii) four times, (iv) five times and (v) more than five times the national average in each of the past 10 years;
	(2)  how many higher rate taxpayers there were in (a) Birmingham, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) the London region expressed as a percentage of the total population of each specified area in each of the past 10 years.

Dawn Primarolo: Available estimates are in the tables.
	
		Number of higher rate taxpayers(5) as a percentage of the total population(6) for the respective geographical areas -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands region(7) London region 
		
		
			 1995–96 1.9 2.6 5.3 
			 1996–97 1.7 2.3 5.2 
			 1997–98 1.8 2.1 5.2 
			 1998–99 2.2 2.6 6.0 
			 1999–2000 2.0 2.8 6.3 
			 2000–01 2.8 3.3 7.9 
		
	
	(5) Number of higher rate taxpayers based on the Survey of Personal Incomes.
	(6) Source for population estimates: Office for National Statistics, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
	(7) Government Office Region.
	
		Number of individuals(11) with total income over twice GB average earnings(12) as a percentage of the total population(13) for the respective geographical areas -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands region(14) London region(14) UK 
		
		
			 1995–96 1.0 1.5 3.3 2.1 
			 1996–97 1.1 1.3 3.5 2.2 
			 1997–98 1 0 1.2 3.6 2.3 
			 1998–99 1.1 1.4 4.0 2.4 
			 1999–2000 1 0 1.6 4.2 2.5 
			 2000–01 1.4 1.6 4.9 2.7 
		
	
	
		Number of individuals(11) with total income over three times GB average earnings(12) as a percentage of the total population(13) for the respective geographical areas -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands region(14) London region(14) UK 
		
		
			 1995–96 0.5 0.5 1.6 0.9 
			 1996–97 0.4 0.5 1.6 0.9 
			 1997–98 0.4 0.4 1.8 0.9 
			 1998–99 0.4 0.5 2.0 1.0 
			 1999–2000 0.4 0.6 2.0 1.1 
			 2000–01 0.5 0.6 2.4 1.2 
		
	
	
		Number of individuals(11) with total income over four times GB average earnings(12) as a percentage of the total population(13) for the respective geographical areas -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands region(14) London region(14) UK 
		
		
			 1995–96 0.2 0.2 1.0 0.4 
			 1996–97 0.2 0.3 1.0 0.5 
			 1997–98 0.2 0.2 1.1 0.5 
			 1998–99 0.3 0.3 1.3 0.6 
			 1999–2000 0.2 0.3 1.3 0.6 
			 2000–01 0.3 0.3 1.5 0.6 
		
	
	
		Number of individuals(11) with total income over five times GB average earnings(12) as a percentage of the total population(13) for the respective geographical areas -- Percentage
		
			  Birmingham West Midlands region(14) London region(14) UK 
		
		
			  
			 1995–96 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.3 
			 1996–97 0.1 0.2 0.7 0.3 
			 1997–98 0.1 0.2 0.8 0.3 
			 1998–99 0.2 0.2 0.9 0.4 
			 1999–2000 0.1 0.2 0.9 0.4 
			 2000–01 0.2 0.2 1.1 0.4 
		
	
	(8) Number of individuals based on the Survey of Personal Incomes.
	(9) Average earnings based on the New Earnings Survey.
	(10) Source for population estimates: Office for National Statistics, General Register Office for Scotland, and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
	(11) Government Office Region.

Inland Revenue Buildings

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any of the Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue buildings sold to Mapeley or Mapeley Steps were liable for stamp duty; whether stamp duty was paid; and on how many of the buildings.

Dawn Primarolo: I have nothing to add to the reply I gave the hon. Gentleman on 7 November 2002, Official Report, column 747W.

Instruments of Torture

David Chidgey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what attempts illegally to export instruments of torture from the UK have been discovered by HM Customs and Excise; and what prosecutions have resulted from such discoveries in each year since 1997.

John Healey: No evidence of attempts to export instruments of torture from the UK illegally has been discovered by HM Customs since 1997.

Instruments of Torture

David Chidgey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance has been given to HM Customs and Excise on the identification and prevention of the illegal export of instruments of torture under the current legislation in each year since 1997.

John Healey: Since 1997 Customs have been immediately informed by the Department of Trade and Industry of changes to the UK's export control list and relevant European regulations. Torture equipment and items that could be used for internal repression are included in the control list and in applicable European regulations. Customs ensure that this information is passed to all relevant staff and officers at ports and airports.

Insurance Industry (Terrorism)

Brian Cotter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on the insurance industry, with particular reference to the cost of providing public liability and employers' liability cover to business; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The terms, conditions and price of insurance products adapt in response to the many factors that affect market conditions. These factors include the impact of claims arising from the appalling attacks of 11 September 2001, and the willingness in the insurance industry to take on terrorism risk.

Network Rail

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the guarantees and stand-by loan facilities extended to Network Rail represent contingent liabilities in the resource accounts of the Department of Transport.

David Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.
	The contingent and non-contingent liabilities in connection with Network Rail were set out in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to the House on 27 June 2002, Official Report, column 971W, and in the minutes mentioned in the statement, which were laid before Parliament. The situation in relation to the facilities extended to Network Rail will be reported in the resource accounts of the Department for Transport in accordance with HM Treasury's Resource Accounting Manual.

PFI Prisons (Accounting)

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the accounting treatment of PFI prisons.

Paul Boateng: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) on 21 November 2002, Official Report, column 280W.

Population Statistics

Sydney Chapman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will institute an inquiry into the accuracy of (a) the census 2001 population figures and (b) the 2001 mid-year population figures.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Sir Sydney Chapman, dated 26 November 2002
	As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking if he will institute an inquiry into the accuracy of (a) the 2001 Census population figures and (b) the 2001 mid-year estimate population figures. (82946)
	I am confident that the 2001 Census figures provide the most accurate estimate of the 2001 population, both nationally and locally. The 2001 Census results are the first to represent the entire population. This was achieved through a new strategy known as the 'One Number Census'. One of the key elements was an independent follow-up survey—the Census Coverage Survey (CCS), which involved an intensive face-to-face survey of a sample of over 16,000 postcodes containing 320,000 households covering every local authority in England and Wales. By combining the results of the Census and the CCS, it was possible to estimate the total resident population in 2001— the 'one number'—to a high level of precision, plus or minus 0.2 per cent, and to provide information on the characteristics of those persons missed by the Census.
	Thus in 2001, the Census results represent 100 per cent of the population. Census response, that is the proportion of people returning a form in England and Wales, was 94 per cent. The 6 per cent of people estimated to have been missed by the Census have been added to the counts using a statistical process that was subject to extensive consultation, and based on the results of the CCS.
	In addition, the 2001 Census has undergone rigorous testing and quality checking throughout both the fieldwork and processing. Census tests were carried out in 1997 and 1999 and a survey designed to measure the accuracy of response to each question has been completed. Furthermore, a comprehensive set of verification and validation checks were built in to the processing of the data, and data quality played a key role in all aspects of processing the forms. All information on accuracy will be contained in a Census Quality report to be published in 2003.
	The population base for the 2001 Census was defined so as to be entirely consistent with that used in the calculation of the mid-year estimates, and the 2001 Census figures will form the basis of the mid-year population estimates throughout the next decade. Thus, the 2001 mid-year estimate was calculated by adjusting the census figures to take account of births and deaths and an estimate of the net migration in the interval between Census day (29 April) and the 30 June.
	However, in the light of the evidence, shown by the 2001 Census figures, that the previous (pre-2001) mid-year estimate series had been over-estimating the size of the population and growth in the population over the last few years, the Office for National Statistics will be conducting an assessment of accuracy of the mid-year population estimates that is aimed at learning lessons from the 2001 Census results and making improvements to the method and data sources used to produce mid-year estimates in the future. The results of this assessment are due to be published on the National Statistics website in February 2003. A National Statistics Quality Review on international migration is also currently underway.
	Some local authorities have experienced an unexpectedly large shift between their population estimates for mid 2001, and the Census values. We are working with several of these to examine our explanation of the differences.
	For the above reasons, I therefore do not feel it necessary to instigate any further inquiry into the accuracy of the 2001 Census and 2001 mid-year estimate figures.

Private Nursing Homes (VAT)

Robert Walter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the charging of VAT on the material costs and fees associated with the development of private nursing homes.

John Healey: There is no VAT on the construction of a new nursing home because it is zero-rated. In contrast, extensions and other works to existing homes are subject to the standard rate of VAT, other than approved alterations to nursing homes in listed buildings which are zero-rated.

Redundancy Statistics

Julian Brazier: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) women and (b) men were made redundant between the ages of 50 and 65 in each year since 1996.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Brazier, dated 26 November 2002
	As the National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about redundancy levels. (82542)
	The attached table gives estimates of redundancy levels for (a) men and (b) women between the ages of 50 and 65 in each twelve month period ending August, from 1996 to 2002. These estimates are from the Labour Force Survey (LFS).
	
		Number of people aged 50 to 65 made redundant: United Kingdom 1996–2002, not seasonally adjusted -- Thousands
		
			 September to August All persons Men Women 
		
		
			 1996 143 100 43 
			 1997 144 100 44 
			 1998 145 100 45 
			 1999 171 113 58 
			 2000 157 101 57 
			 2001 150 109 40 
			 2002 176 119 57 
		
	
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey.
	Note:
	These Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are not seasonally adjusted (NSA) and have not been adjusted to take account of the recent Census 2001 results. ONS are working toward producing re-weighted LFS estimates based on the findings of the 2001 Census, which will be available from summer 2003.

Royal Mint

Gisela Stuart: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will require the Royal Mint to publish financial information separately covering its three distinct business streams of (a) UK circulating coins, (b) overseas coin production and (c) non-coin products.

Ruth Kelly: The provision of the information requested would place the Royal Mint at a competitive disadvantage. Exemption 7 (Effective management and operations of the public service) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Royal Mint

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the Royal Mint informed his Department that it was to end its consortium agreement with the Royal Mint.

Ruth Kelly: It would be improper at present to comment on this issue, as it relates to the court case brought by the Birmingham Mint against the Treasury. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Royal Mint

Gisela Stuart: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to meet (a) directors and (b) union representatives from the Birmingham Mint to discuss the policy decision by the Royal Mint to end its consortium with the Birmingham Mint.

Ruth Kelly: Because of the court case brought against the Treasury by the Birmingham Mint, Ministers should not meet Directors or Union representatives of the Birmingham Mint. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Royal Mint

Gisela Stuart: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what reporting procedures his Department puts in place to ensure that the Royal Mint is not using its monopoly position in UK coin production to cross subsidise its other business units.

Ruth Kelly: The Treasury has shareholder oversight of the Mint's sales and cost base, and sets demanding conditions for the UK coinage contract.
	It would be improper at present to comment further on this issue, given that it may have a bearing on the case brought against the Treasury by the Birmingham Mint, which is currently before the courts. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Royal Mint

Gisela Stuart: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what return on capital the Royal Mint made in each year since 1990.

Ruth Kelly: The return on Capital made by the Royal Mint in each year since 1990 is included in the table below.
	
		Return on average capital employed
		
			  Actual return (percentage) 
		
		
			 1990–91 27.9 
			 1991–92 21 
			 1992–93 23.1 
			   
			 1993–94 32.0 
			 1994–95 28.3 
			 1995–96 18.3 
			   
			 1996–97 14.1 
			 1997–98 22.3 
			 1998–99 9.1 
			   
			 1999–2000 0.5 
			 2000–01 0.7 
			 2001–02 26.4

Royal Mint

Gisela Stuart: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what return on capital the Treasury expects the Royal Mint to make in each year from 2002 to 2005.

Ruth Kelly: The Treasury expects the Royal Mint to make a return on capital of 11 per cent. within the period from 2001/2 to 2005/6.

Tax Processing

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the underlying data for the basket of outputs referred to in his answer on tax processing of 5 November, Official Report, column 211W; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I have done so today.

Voluntary Work

Sue Doughty: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates his Department has made of the value of voluntary sector work to the economy in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The contribution of general charities to GDP was £4.5 billion in 1997; £4.7 billion in 1998; £5.0 billion in 1999; £5.3 billion in 2000; and £5.8 billion in 2001.
	The contribution of non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) to GDP was £19.6 billion in 1997; £21.1 billion in 1998; £22.2 billion in 1999; £23.0 billion in 2000; and £24.3 billion in 2001.
	Neither set of estimates takes into account the value of unpaid work to general charities.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

Devolution

Angus Robertson: To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 23 October under the Scotland Act 1998.

Alan Reid: To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised with her since 22 October, under the Scotland Act 1988.

Michael Weir: To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 23 October under the Scotland Act 1998.

Alex Salmond: To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 23 October under the Scotland Act 1998.

Lynda Clark: I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Lady, the Member for Perth (Annabelle Ewing), column 152.

Devolution

John Robertson: To ask the Advocate-General how many devolution cases she has dealt with since September.

Lynda Clark: Since 1 September, 65 devolution issue cases have been intimated to me.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Welsh Language

Simon Thomas: To ask the President of the Council if he will make statement on his plans for the presentation of evidence in the Welsh language to select committees.

Ben Bradshaw: Select Committees may take oral evidence in the Welsh language. Written evidence must be submitted in the English language, though it is understood that the Welsh Affairs Committee frequently receives memoranda prepared in both languages.

Parliamentary Language

Chris Bryant: To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to propose reforms to the rules on parliamentary language.

Ben Bradshaw: My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans at present to reform the rules of parliamentary language, but hopes that the Modernisation Committee may look at this matter soon. He recognises the concern of many Members about the more archaic elements of our parliamentary language and the impression they give to the public. 8/Parliamentary Calendar

Parliamentary Language

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the President of the Council, what assessment he has made of the public's reaction to the recently announced changes to the Parliamentary Calendar and timings of sittings of the House.

Ben Bradshaw: Our impression is that the public's reaction to the recently announced changes has been generally favourable, and that the end to late evening sittings has been particularly welcomed. The YouGov poll in anticipation of the vote in the House on these matters showed a nine to one majority of the public in favour of the change to sitting hours and September sittings.

Westminster Hall

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the President of the Council what representations he has received on the seating arrangements in Westminster Hall.

Robin Cook: There have been four parliamentary questions on the seating in Westminster Hall since June 2001, three of them from my hon. Friend. I have also received letters from six hon. Members on this subject since the House returned in October, one of them from my hon. Friend.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Security

Brian White: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost and benefits were of the new security measures between Norman Shaw North and Portcullis House.

Archy Kirkwood: As I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand, it is long-standing practice not to comment on the details of security expenditure or arrangements on the Parliamentary Estate

LORD CHANCELLOR

Magistrates Courts Central Council

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she last met representatives of the Magistrates' Courts Central Council.

Yvette Cooper: I last met with representatives of the Central Council of Magistrates' Courts Committees on 11 November 2002.

Domestic Violence

Judy Mallaber: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action her Department is taking to help victims of domestic violence.

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will make a statement on further steps to tackle domestic violence that are under consideration by her Department.

Rosie Winterton: The Government remain committed to tackling domestic violence.
	An inter-Ministerial group set up last November is working across Government on five key areas for action. My Department is responsible for leading work on improving the interface between the criminal, civil and family law. We aim to identify ways to make the process less distressing for victims, by working with stakeholders and voluntary organisations at local and national level to develop a more integrated approach that tackles the impacts of domestic violence as part of the justice process.
	In order to inform our work in this area, I set up an advisory group to bring together the full range of stakeholders involved in dealing with domestic violence and to act as a sounding board and reality check for our policy proposals.
	This group will also assist the Department in its work, in liaison with the Home Office, on the Government's consultation paper setting out proposals for the prevention of domestic violence.

Magistrates Courts

John Randall: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when she last met members of the lay magistracy.

Yvette Cooper: I last met members of the lay magistracy on 18 November 2002.

Courthouse, Colchester

Bob Russell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when she expects the new courthouse in Colchester will open.

Yvette Cooper: It is planned that the new courthouse in Colchester will be opened in early 2007.

Child Abduction

Tom Cox: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the actions taken by the Government to prevent child abduction from the UK.

Rosie Winterton: The Lord Chancellor's Department works closely with the other UK jurisdictions, the Scottish Executive, the Northern Ireland Court Service and with other Government Departments, to prevent child abduction as far as possible. The Lord Chancellor's Department provides core funding to the charity Reunite—International Child Abduction Centre, which provides advice and support to parents in fear of, or who have suffered, the abduction of their child. The UK Government contribute towards the cost of their advice line, and are supporting initiatives for a prevention awareness campaign which will begin in England and Wales in March 2003.
	LCD provides the Secretariat for the Child Abduction Co-ordinating Group in which other Departments and agencies participate. The group promoted the change in passport regulations which means that a child has to have a separate passport, reducing the risk of a forged entry on a parent's passport being used to remove the child from the UK. The group meets quarterly and is looking at other action to raise awareness and prevent child abduction.
	Provisions of the Children Act 1989 allow the courts to prohibit the removal of the child from the UK.

PRIVY COUNCIL

Death Penalty

John Bercow: To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on the role of the Privy Council in relation to the use of the death penalty in a number of overseas territories.

Ben Bradshaw: The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the court of final appeal for 16 independent Commonwealth countries. When hearing appeals the Judicial Committee applies the law of the country from which the appeal comes. Most of the countries concerned retain the death penalty for certain offences and some cases that come before the Judicial Committee are appeals against conviction and/or sentence in capital cases. Over the years the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has played an important part in developing constitutional safeguards in relation to the imposition and execution of the death penalty in these countries and in helping to uphold the integrity of the criminal process.

Ministerial Committee on Biotechnology

Ben Chapman: To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on his work as Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Biotechnology.

Robin Cook: I chair the Ministerial Committee on Biotechnology (SCI(BIO)). Details on the membership of the Committee can be found on my Department's website at www.pco.gov.uk/output/Page67.asp. The Committee is a sub-committee of the Committee on Science Policy (SCI). It considers issues relating to biotechnology—including those arising from genetic modification, biotechnology in healthcare and genetic issues—and their economic impact; and reports as necessary to the Committee on Science Policy. Policy responsibility for the issues raised in the Committee rest in the main with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

SCOTLAND

Northern Lighthouse Board

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she next intends to meet the commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Anne McGuire: Neither my right. hon. Friend nor I have any current plans to meet the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Drugs

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of Stat for Scotland what discussions she has recently had with the First Minister on the issue of drugs in Scotland; and if she will make a statement.

Helen Liddell: I meet regularly with the First Minister and discuss a range of topics.

Fishing Industry

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to whom she has made recent representations regarding the fishing industry in Scotland.

Helen Liddell: I have discussed issues concerning the Scottish fishing industry with my Government colleagues and with the Scottish Executive.

Fishing Industry

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of prospects for employment in the Scottish fishing industry.

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the prospects for employment in the Scottish fishing industry.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), column 145.

Voluntary Sector

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps she is taking to engage with the voluntary sector in Scotland regarding employment.

Anne McGuire: The voluntary sector plays a major role in the Government's Welfare to Work agenda. I am delighted to say that around 8,000 people in Scotland have participated in the voluntary sector option within the New Deal for Young People. I recently addressed the Support Training Action Group on the voluntary sector's role in supporting the Welfare to Work programme.

Rural Poverty

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what policies she is promoting to end rural poverty.

Anne McGuire: The Government are committed to tacking poverty across all sectors of society, including those living in rural areas. We have introduced a number of measures, such as the Working Families Tax Credit, Children's Tax Credit, New Deal, National Minimum Wage and the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners, all of which complement rural initiatives taken by the Scottish Executive.

Inward Investment

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Scottish Executive to discuss inward investment in Scotland.

Anne McGuire: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Lady, the Member for Epping Forest (Mrs. Laing), at column 149.

Scottish Parliament

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she will publish the results of her consultation on the size of the Scottish Parliament.

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she will publish the results of her consultation on the size of the Scottish Parliament.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Billericay (Mr. Baron), at column 143.

Scottish Economy

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the Scottish economy.

Helen Liddell: Despite uncertainty in the global economy the fundamentals of the Scottish economy are sound. The economy grew in the year to June 2002 in the face of an international downturn. Our labour market is healthy, while inflation and interest rates are low. Scotland shares the benefits of macroeconomic stability delivered by the Government while the Scottish Executive are able to exercise their devolved responsibilities to respond to local priorities and economic development opportunities.

Scottish Economy

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the Scottish economy.

Helen Liddell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner).

Antisocial Behaviour

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive regarding ways of combating anti-social behaviour through United Kingdom-wide legislation.

Anne McGuire: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the Scottish Executive on a wide range of issues. The Government and the Scottish Executive are committed to combating anti-social behaviour through a range of appropriate measures.

Postal Services

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with Postcomm regarding deregulation of postal services in Scotland.

Anne McGuire: I recently attended and gave the closing address at a conference jointly organised by Postcomm and Postwatch, at which a wide range of postal matters affecting Scotland were discussed.

Media Industry

Sydney Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to discuss the implications for diversity in the Scottish media industry of the Government's legislative programme.

Helen Liddell: I meet my right hon. Friend regularly for discussion on a wide range of issues, including the Government's proposals for broadcasting and print media, now reflected in the Communications Bill published last week.

Creative Industries

Rosemary McKenna: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to promote Scotland's creative industries.

Helen Liddell: The creative industries are a dynamic and fast growing sector of the Scottish economy. I am therefore pleased to be able to co-host an event tomorrow with Lord Puttnam of Queensgate, Chairman of NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), which will provide an opportunity to highlight the wealth of Scottish talent in this sector.

Communications Bill

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to ensure that Scotland's interests are represented within Government in respect of the Communications Bill.

Helen Liddell: My Department has worked closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the DTI, and I am confident that the new regulator, Ofcom, has the capacity to take full account of the consumers and the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors in Scotland. Ofcom will have an overarching duty to take account of the needs of the nations and regions in all its activities. The Communications Bill makes statutory provision for specific Scottish representation on the Content Board and Consumer Panel to be established by Ofcom. Ofcom will also be required to establish an office in Scotland.

NETA

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultation she has initiated about the impact of applying NETA in Scotland.

Anne McGuire: The Government are committed to developing a single wholesale electricity market for Great Britain to ensure a long-term diverse and secure supply of energy for Britain.
	The Department of Trade and Industry is continuing consultations with this Department, the Scottish Executive, Ofgem, industry and stakeholders in developing appropriate arrangements for the GB electricity market.

Economy

David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action she is taking to consult Scottish business and trade union interests on economic issues.

Helen Liddell: Macro-economic policy makes an essential contribution to achieving a healthy and successful Scottish economy. As part of my on-going programme of meetings to discuss these issues with key stakeholders, I shall be meeting representatives of business organisations in Scotland and with the STUC General Council on 2 December following the release of the Pre-Budget Report to hear their views on Government macro-economic policy.

Postal Voting

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his policy is on the extension of postal voting for elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies.

Helen Liddell: I am responsible for the conduct of elections to the Scottish Parliament. Responsibility for the conduct of elections to the National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly lies with the Secretaries of State for Wales and Northern Ireland respectively. The extension of postal voting for elections to the Scottish Parliament was provided for in the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc) (Amendment) Order 2001; for elections to the National Assembly for Wales by the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) (Amendment) Order 2002; and for elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly by the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

National Lottery Funding

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many ex-servicemen's welfare organisations in West Sussex applied for National Lottery funding last year.

Richard Caborn: holding answer Monday 25 November 2002
	One ex-servicemen's welfare organisation in West Sussex applied for National Lottery Funding last year through the Awards for All scheme: The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help—Crawley and East Grinstead Division was awarded £4,928 on 16 May 2001.

Regional Arts Council Members

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the (a) Regional Arts Council members and (b) National Council members of the Arts Council of England are (i) from ethnic minorities, (ii) disabled, (iii) male, (iv) female, (v) under the age of thirty and (vi) over the age of sixty, and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: Question Regional Arts Council members National Arts Council members 
		
		
			 Percentage ethnic minorities 16.5 13.3 
			 Percentage disabled 8.2 0 
			 Percentage male 51 60 
			 Percentage female 49 40 
			 Percentage under 30 years old 0.9 0 
			 Percentage over 60 years old 13.7 6.6 
		
	
	All appointments are made on merit.

School Sports

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) school sports co-ordinators and (b) school sports co-ordinator partnerships there are in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) Tyne and Wear and (iv) UK.

Richard Caborn: The position in September 2002 is laid out in the following table. No School Sport Co-ordinator partnerships have gone live since that date.
	
		
			  School Sport Co-ordinator posts School Sport Coordinator Partnerships 
		
		
			 Jarrow Constituency 1. At Hedworthfield Comprehensive, part of the King George V partnership. Partnerships align with LEA, not constituency, boundaries. 
			 South Tyneside MBC 4 1. Centred on King George V School, comprising 4 secondary schools (including Hedworthfield) and 22 primary schools (9 of which are in Jarrow). 
			 Tyne and Wear(12) 19 5. One in each LEA. 
			 UK (England)(13) 765 149 
		
	
	(12) Gateshead Metropolitan Borough; Newcastle City Council; North Tyneside Metropolitan Council; South Tyneside MBC; Sunderland City Council.
	(13) The School Sports Co-ordinator programme is being rolled out only in England.

Seabed Rentals

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what annual rental charges are paid to the Crown Estate for seabed rentals for ferry piers, ports and harbours operated by (a) Caledonian MacBrayne, (b) Shetland Islands Council, (c) Orkney Islands Council, (d) Lerwick Port Authority, (e) Scrabster Harbour Trust, (f) Ullapool Harbour Trustees, (g) Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission, (h) Argyll and Bute Council, (i) Mallaig Harbour Authority, (j) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, (k) Clydeport and (l) Aberdeen Harbour Board.

Ruth Kelly: Holding answer 19 November 2002
	The Crown Estate cannot release figures relating to commercial leases without the prior consent of the Lessee. Consent is being sought and I will write to the hon. Member.

Sports Action Zone (Workington)

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money has been spent in Workington from the Sports Action Zone covering Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow; and on what projects.

Richard Caborn: Projects in the West Cumbria and Barrow Sport Action Zone from which Workington benefits are as follows:
	
		£ 
		
			   Sport Action Zone investment Total project cost 
		
		
			 Workington Wards   
			 Salterbeck Sports Coordinator 54,000 110,000 
			
			 Allerdale District   
			 Allerdale Baton Relay 2,500 6,000 
			 Grassroots Sport SOS(14) 10,000 31,600 
			 Allerdale Community Chest 21,000 21,000 
			
			 West Cumbria   
			 Sport for Health Manager 30,000 70,000 
			 Sport Directory 11,200 19,700 
			
			 Zone-wide   
			 Monitoring the impact of sport social wellbeing of communities 7,320 14,640 
			
			 County-wide   
			 Adults Other than Teachers Programme 7,500 24,800 
		
	
	(14) Three year project
	In addition the following projects are currently being developed which impact on Workington:
	Feasibility study to attract the world mountain marathon to the District of Allerdale (Sport Action Zone £3,000);
	Three year dance project in partnership with Allerdale and Copeland Borough Councils and Keswick Theatre by the Lake (Sport Action Zone £9,000);
	'Engaging in Football'—A five year programme in partnership with NACRO in West Cumbria. Workington target wards are Salterbeck, St. Michael's; Northside (Sport Action Zone £28,000);
	Three year enhancement of passport in the Zone, in partnership with Cumbria Outdoors and Cumbria Sport. Workington target being the Leisure Centre (Sport Action Zone £9,000);
	Two year pilot programme: Bridging the Gap through Sport in the Zone. Two year pilot programme with rugby union, rugby league and tennis. Aims to link the social inclusion agenda and National Governing Bodies of Sport (Sport Action Zone £36,000);
	SAZ Newsletter to raise awareness of the Zone's progress (Sport Action Zone £2,000);
	Education through Sport in the Zone. A three year programme aiming to develop five programmes linking education and sport agendas, to increase numbers of coaches; develop Top Tots; training community sports coaches; create opportunities for adult volunteers and increase community exercise instructors (Sport Action Zone £40,000).

DEFENCE

A400M

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce pension provision for part-time soldiers in the Royal Irish Regiment.

Lewis Moonie: The employment rights of part-time soldiers serving in the Royal Irish Regiment are currently the subject of applications to the Industrial Tribunal. The right to a pension is one of the issues under consideration. It would be inappropriate to
	say more at this stage.

Aircraft Carriers

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of BAE Systems' bid for the position of prime contractor for the new aircraft carrier; how many jobs will be dependent on this procurement; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme is currently in the Assessment Phase, Stage 2 of which ended on 20 November. The procurement strategy for CVF does not rely on a 'bid' process, rather the two candidate prime contractors (BAE Systems and Thales) have been assessed on a continuous basis over the last three years. It is this continuous assessment that will form the basis of our forthcoming selection of preferred prime contractor. In terms of jobs, it is still too early to be definitive as to the numbers that will be involved but early indications suggest that the CVF programme could sustain and create some 10,000 jobs across the United Kingdom during the design and manufacture of the carriers; this would be true irrespective of which of the two candidate primes is eventually selected.

Aircraft Carriers

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with companies wishing to be the prime contractor for the procurement of the new aircraft carriers; and when the decision will be made.

Lewis Moonie: We have had close contacts with the two candidate prime contractors for the Future Aircraft Carrier (BAE Systems and Thales) throughout the second stage of assessment, which was completed on 20 November. We are currently in the process of compiling the results from our continuous assessment of both contractors and consulting with interested parties; we plan to announce our decision by 31 January 2003.

Apache Helicopter

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has plans to upgrade or replace the night-vision system on the Apache helicopter.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	An upgrade of Apache's night vision system has been identified as one of a range of possible enhancements to the helicopter during its service life. No decision has yet been taken on this specific element.

BAE Systems

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the names are of the secondees from BAE Systems working in his Department; and what work they are engaged in.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer Monday 25 November 2002
	Alan Garwood's appointment as Head of Defence Export Services was announced on 16 September 2002.
	I am withholding the names of the other five BAE Systems secondees, in accordance with Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. They are respectively engaged with training on Smart Acquisition; support chain management; logistics capability development; research in electronic warfare and warship support. Additionally, on 4 November, a secondee from BAE Systems began work on air logistics support.

Canberra PR9

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his procurement strategy for the replacement of the Canberra PR9s.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 753W, to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire (Mr. Gray).

Chatham Dockyard

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on refit network schedules at the former Chatham dockyard including removal and refurbishment of (a) the reactor/equipments and (b) associated pipework; and when these refits took place.

Lewis Moonie: Refit work undertaken on nuclear powered submarines at the former Chatham dockyard was subject to a rigorous production control system, which authorised repair work, including the removal and refurbishment of reactors/equipments and associated pipework, as identified in the overall refit network schedule programme. Refit work undertaken at the dockyard from 1970 until its closure in 1983 is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Dates Submarine Refit work 
		
		
			 April 1970 to May 1972 Valiant First refit and reactor refuel 
			 June 1971 to October 1973 Warspite First refit and reactor refuel 
			 December 1973 to October 1975 Churchill First refit and reactor refuel 
			 May 1974 to October 1976 Dreadnought Second refit, reactor refuel and first decontamination of Primary Loop 
			 October 1975 to June 1977 Conqueror First refit and reactor refuel 
			 November 1976 to July 1978 Courageous First refit and reactor refuel 
			 April 1977 to January 1978 Sovereign Reactor modification 
			 January 1978 to February 1980 Valiant Second refit and reactor refuel 
			 August 1979 to March 1982 Warspite Second refit and reactor refuel 
			 October 1980 to May 1983 Churchill Second refit and reactor refuel 
			 March 1982 to March 1983 Dreadnought Decommissioning and defuel 
		
	
	Due to the time elapsed since the closure of Chatham dockyard, further information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Chatham Dockyard

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how nuclear waste was transported (a) within the former Chatham dockyard and (b) externally; and how it was identified.

Lewis Moonie: Within the dockyard, radioactive waste was moved in suitable containers, and under the supervision of an authorised person, in accordance with the Factories Act 1955 and the national regulations on ionising radiations that were in force at the time. Arrangements for the transportation of low-level waste took account of the route over which the waste had to be moved, and the nature of the waste itself. Waste was routinely moved from the Nuclear Complex to the Solid Waste Disposal Facility, a distance of about one mile, by motor vehicle. Within the Solid Waste Disposal Facility, waste containers were moved by fork-lift truck, although some very low-level wastes were moved over short distances by a hand-operated electrical lifting vehicle, where this was judged to be safe. Large items of intermediate level waste were usually transported within the dockyard under a police escort.
	Very low-level waste for disposal by the local authority, and low-level wastes for delivery to the National Disposal Service at Harwell and to the national repository at Drigg, were usually transported by road vehicle, although on occasions waste was transported by rail. All transport of radioactive materials on the public highway or by rail was in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency's Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials.

Chatham Dockyard

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether unclassified workers at the former Chatham dockyard received the same training in respect of radiation exposure as classified workers.

Lewis Moonie: Prior to first starting work involving radiation, all radiation workers, whether classified or unclassified, received a lecture on the hazards and standard procedures for radiation protection. They were also given a personal copy of a booklet on radiation protection, which reiterated the content of the lecture. In addition, classified workers were given specific instruction appropriate to the nature of their work.
	Visitors making short, supervised, educational or familiarisation visits to radiation areas, at times when the risk was judged to be low, were not required to receive such standard training.

Chatham Dockyard

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how (a) solid and (b) liquid nuclear waste at the former Chatham dockyard was stored (i) within the nuclear complex and (ii) within the wider dockyard environment.

Lewis Moonie: Solid radioactive waste was stored in the purpose-built Solid Waste Disposal Complex at the eastern end of Chatham dockyard. Other industrial buildings within the dockyard were also used as radioactive waste stores, as and when necessary. These buildings were monitored for radioactive contamination after use and, where necessary, decontaminated. Solid radioactive waste was stored in accordance with the Factories Act 1955, national ionising radiation regulations and Royal Naval instructions for radiological protection that were in force at the time. The arrangements were subject to inspection by the Factory Inspectorate.
	Liquid nuclear waste was disposed of directly to the effluent treatment plant (ETP) in the nuclear complex, or transferred via liquid effluent tanks to the ETP.
	Used resins, which were a mixture of solid and liquid material, were kept in specially designed resin catch tanks. They were stored at the Solid Waste Disposal Complex.

Deaths

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what statistical information he has collected concerning the deaths in or near military property since 1990.

Lewis Moonie: Information on deaths is routinely collected within the Ministry of Defence in a number of ways. Service casualty branches receive and hold information on injuries and deaths for next of kin and casualty purposes. The Armed Forces Pay and Administration Agency collects information on deaths for pay, pensions and manpower purposes. The Defence Analytical Services Agency collects information for statistical purposes. Detailed information on location is held by the Service casualty branches. However, this is not readily accessible, being held as free text fields in a mixture of databases and paper records.

Defence Medical Services

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many consultants there are in each faculty within Defence Medical Services.

Lewis Moonie: The number of consultants in each specialty within the Defence Medical Services, as at 1 July 2002, is set out in the following table:
	
		
			 Consultant specialty Current manning(15) 
		
		
			 General Surgery 18 
			 Orthopaedic Surgery 11 
			 General Medicine 20 
			 Anaesthetics 23 
			 Accident and Emergency 3 
			 Dermatology 3 
			 Paediatrics 2 
			 Genito-Urinary Medicine 1 
			 Neurology 0 
			 Obstetrics and Gynaecology 0 
			 Urology 3 
			 Burns and Plastic Surgery 3 
			 Psychiatry 10 
			 Ophthalmology 3 
			 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 7 
			 Ear, Nose and Throat 3 
			 Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 6 
			 Radiology 10 
			 Pathology 5 
			 Chemical Pathology 0 
			 Haematology 1 
			 Histopathology 2 
			 Microbiology 2 
			 Aviation Medicine 1 
			 Occupational Medicine 43 
			 Public Health Medicine 8 
			 Restorative Dentistry 2 
			 Dental Public Health 2 
		
	
	(15) Including command and staff appointments

Fire Service Cover

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reserve forces are available (a) to assist in firefighting duties and (b) to replace regular service personnel engaged in firefighting duties during industrial action by civilian firefighters.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	There are currently no plans to call out reservists in response to the firefighters' strike. However, it is possible that volunteers may be used in supporting roles, but in such cases they would not be deployed as firefighters.

Fire Service Cover

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of the deployment of service personnel to provide fire cover on the ability of the Armed Forces to respond to a chemical, biologial, radiological and nuclear attack in the UK.

Adam Ingram: Contingency plans, involving the Armed Forces, are in place for responding to a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack. This capability has not been affected by the deployment of Service personnel to provide emergency fire and rescue cover.

Fire Service Cover

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to sign a Queen's Order conferring rights to call up extra reserves in the event of military action being undertaken before the firefighters' dispute has been settled.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Reservists are called out under the legal powers conferred by the Reserve Forces Act 1996.
	There are currently four extant call-out orders made under that Act, namely: An order made on 28 February 2002 under section 56 to support operations in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
	An order made on 3 April 2002 under section 56 to support operations in the former Yugoslavia;
	An order made on 3 April 2002 under section 54 for operations in the region of Iraq in support of the no fly zones and UNIKOM;
	An order made on 14 October 2002 under section 54 for operations in support of the campaign against international terrorism.
	As my right hon Friend the Secretary of State told the House on 4 November, call- out of reservists for any new operational commitment would be the subject of a separate call-out order at the appropriate time.

Firearms

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of each of Her Majesty's armed services have (a) died and (b) been seriously injured as a result of the discharge of firearms in (i) Great Britain, (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) Germany and (iv) other overseas postings in each year since 1990.

Lewis Moonie: Between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2001, 199 service personnel have died as a result of the discharge of firearms. These deaths are shown by location in the following table.
	
		Deaths due to discharge of firearms since 1990, by location
		
			  Year of death  
			  1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 
		
		
			 Great Britain 8 4 3 3 5 7 
			 Northern Ireland 10 9 11 11 4 7 
			 Germany 9 1 4 1 3 1 
			 Other overseas postings 1 25 1 2 15 5 
			 Grand total 28 39 19 17 27 20 
		
	
	
		
			  Year of death  
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Grand total 
		
		
			 Great Britain 6 4 1 3 2 2 48 
			 Northern Ireland 4 1 0 1 0 3 61 
			 Germany 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 
			 Other overseas postings 7 0 0 3 8 4 71 
			 Grand total 17 5 1 7 10 9 199 
		
	
	Comprehensive information on firearm related injuries is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Firearms Deaths

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many firearms deaths since 1990 were perceived to be (a) suicide or self-inflicted deaths, (b) accidental deaths and (c) homicide or other deaths caused by other persons or persons unknown.

Lewis Moonie: Between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2001, 199 service personnel have died as a result of firearms. The cause of these deaths are shown in the following table:
	
		Deaths due to discharge of firearms since 1990
		
			  Year of death  
			  1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 
		
		
			 Hostile action and assault 10 12 6 7 8 0 
			 Suicide and open 12 7 11 5 12 14 
			 Accidental/other 6 20 2 5 7 6 
			 Grand total 28 39 19 17 27 20 
		
	
	
		
			  Year of death  
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Grand total 
		
		
			 Hostile action and assault 5 1 0 3 2 1 55 
			 Suicide and open 9 3 0 0 3 2 78 
			 Accidental/other 3 1 1 4 5 6 66 
			 Grand total 17 5 1 7 10 9 199 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The number of suicides and open verdicts is likely to rise for the later years as outstanding coroners' verdicts are confirmed.
	2. As at 18 November 2002.

Frigate Sales

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which frigate the UK intends to sell to Thailand.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	No Royal Navy frigates are currently intended to be sold to Thailand.

Homeless Ex-service Men

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions his Department has had with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Homelessness Unit regarding homeless ex-service men; what welfare policies are in place to prevent young ex-service men becoming homeless; and what plans he has to introduce further policies.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Since my appointment as Minister for Veterans in March 2001,1 have had regular contact with ministerial colleagues in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) through the Veterans Task Force which normally meets every six months to give direction to the Government's Veterans Initiative. I have also agreed to become a member of the Ministerial Committee on Homelessness.
	Officials from the Ministry of Defence and ODPM meet representatives of veterans' organisations regularly through the Ex-Service Action Group; in recent times there has been increased contact in order to develop a work placement programme which will be provided in partnership with the Prince's Trust XBusiness in the Community". The programme will be up and running next year.
	Officials from ODPM are members of a working group on service resettlement established as part of the Veterans Initiative. I have tasked the group with enhancing processes to ensure a more successful transition to civilian life for the small minority of vulnerable service leavers who need support.
	The MOD had a number of discussions with the ODPM earlier this year in order to assume financial responsibility for the housing advice staff provided by the English Churches Housing Group in Catterick Garrison and Shelter at the Military Correction and Training Centre in Colchester.
	Officials from both Departments have also been discussing how best to make local authority housing officers around the country aware of the change in the 1996 Housing Act Priority Needs Categories, issued on 31 July 2002, which extends the groups of homeless people considered to be in priority need of housing to include the few armed forces personnel who are vulnerable to homelessness due to their institutional background. MOD has also been engaging with the appropriate authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that the same issues are taken into account in their future legislative proposals for housing allocations.
	More recently, my officials have been finalising arrangements with the ODPM's Homelessness Directorate and the local authority in Richmond, North Yorkshire, for a project to convert a disused art-gallery into 13 self-contained studio flats. The flats will be used to provide short-term accommodation (six to nine months being the norm) for service leavers who are most vulnerable to homelessness. I met the first residents on 25 November.

Military Equipment

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what the average expected wear time is for a pair of standard issue (a) combat boots and (b) desert boots; and what the actual wear time was for (i) combat boots and (ii) desert boots in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what the average wear time was for a pair of infantry combat trousers in each year since 1996.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	We expect combat boots to last for about 24 months and desert boots to last for about six months. Combat trousers are expected to last for about 18 to 24 months for light use and about four to six months for heavy use. Central records are not held on actual wear times, but the life expectancy depends on the conditions in which they are worn and how the item is maintained.

Military Equipment

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints he has received in the last 12 months from infantry soldiers regarding the quality of (a) combat boots, (b) combat trousers, (c) sleeping bags and (d) tents.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	In the last 12 months the Ministry of Defence has received, from armed forces personnel, a total of 30 complaints regarding combat boots, 15 complaints regarding combat trousers, no complaints regarding sleeping bags and three complaints regarding tents. These comments provide valuable feedback as we continuously seek to improve the products we provide.

Military Equipment

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many infantry soldiers own their own (a) boots, (b) sleeping bags and (c) tents.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Service personnel are issued with the clothing and equipment required to carry out their jobs, whatever the environment. We do not maintain records on the number of infantry soldiers who have their own boots, sleeping bags and tents.

Military Equipment

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times his Department has changed supplier for (a) combat boots and (b) combat trousers since 1997; and what the reasons were for the change.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Since 1997 the Ministry of Defence has made the following number of supplier changes:
	Combat Assault Boots—Varied between two suppliers and one. Currently split between the two.
	Cold Wet Weather Boots—No changes.
	Desert Combat Boots—One change.
	Combat Trousers—Consolidated from five supplies to one.
	Desert Combat Trousers—One change.
	The changes were made as part of the standard competitive tendering process.

Military Equipment

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many pairs of combat trousers were available to an infantry company every three months in each year since 1996; and how many are available now.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Each service man receives a standard issue of three pairs of combat trousers, and these are replaced as required. Units are issued with replacement stocks in line with the number of soldiers they have. Additional stocks can be ordered if this proves necessary.

Military Equipment

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to equip service men with suitable personal kit for deployment to the middle east in (a) winter months, (b) spring months and (c) summer months.

Lewis Moonie: The safety and well-being of all service personnel is paramount at all times and they are issued with the clothing and equipment required to carry out their jobs, whatever the environment.

Missile Defence

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a formal mechanism will be made available for the public to register their views on missile defence with his Department.

Geoff Hoon: Members of the public are welcome to write to the Ministry of Defence with their views on missile defence. I intend to publish shortly some discussion material as an aid to public debate.

Naval Vessels

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when (a) RFA Wave Ruler and (b) HMS Bulwark will enter service.

Lewis Moonie: RFA Wave Ruler is expected to enter service in March 2003.
	On the basis of current information HMS Bulwark is expected to enter service in 2004. However, the exact date is under review with the company, BAES Marine.

Parachute Accidents

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of each of Her Majesty's armed forces have died through parachute accidents in (i) Great Britain, (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) Germany and (iv) other overseas postings in each year since 1990; and what rule procedural changes have been brought about as a result of Board of Inquiry reports.

Lewis Moonie: Since 1990, 11 members of the armed forces have died as a result of parachuting accidents. To ensure that Service personnel confidentiality is not compromised, it has been necessary to group the data by cause and year, and by location and year, in the following tables:
	
		Deaths due to parachute accidents by location: between 1 January 1990 and 15 November 2002
		
			  Great Britain Overseas 
		
		
			 Royal Navy 1 0 
			 Royal Marine 0 2 
			 Army 1 5 
			 RAF 1 1 
			 Total 3 8 
		
	
	Note:
	No deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland or Germany.
	
		Deaths due to parachute accidents by year: between 1 January 1990 and 15 November 2002
		
			  All deaths 
		
		
			 1990 1 
			 1992 1 
			 1994 1 
			 1995 1 
			 1996 2 
			 2000 2 
			 2001 1 
			 2002 2 
			 Total 11 
		
	
	Boards of Inquiry into military parachuting are conducted by the RAF, who have responsibility for conducting and regulating all military parachute training by members of the armed forces.
	There have been six completed Boards of Inquiry into these deaths. One Board of Inquiry is not yet complete, one death is pending a decision as to whether a Board of Inquiry is appropriate and the status of one is unknown. As two deaths involved personnel who were parachuting while off duty, Boards of Inquiry were not conducted.
	The following procedural changes have been introduced as a result of these Boards of Inquiry:
	(a) Pre-sortie briefings given to the safety boat personnel have been amended to be more specific on the recovery of parachutists from the water.
	(b) Regulations and advice governing carriage of knives by parachutists and safety boat personnel have been amended.
	(c) Regulations have been amended to make it mandatory for all parachutists using square parachutes to carry hook knives.
	(d) Regulations governing the preparation of the parachutist's personal weapon have been amended to reduce the possibility of rigging lines snagging on the weapon.
	(e) Pre-descent briefings to parachutists have been amended to include an explanation of the reasons for adopting a good position on exit from the aircraft.
	(f) Pre-descent emergencies briefing to parachutists has been amended to include actions to be taken in the event that the handle, which cuts away the main parachute and activates the reserve, becomes dislodged from its retaining pocket on exit from the aircraft.
	(g) Guidance on writing air instructions has been amended to ensure that instructions reflect the full nature of the activity to be undertaken.
	(h) Syllabus of training and pre-descent emergencies briefing to parachutists have been amended to warn parachutists that the harness may ride up on deployment of the main parachute.
	(i) Syllabus of training and pre-descent emergencies briefing to parachutists have been amended to instruct parachutists to make visual identification of main parachute cut-away pad and reserve parachute handle before cutting away the main parachute and operating the reserve.
	(j) The incident reporting system was amended to fall under the auspices of the Inspectorate of Flight Safety (now Defence Aviation Safety Centre).
	(k) Syllabus of training and pre-descent briefings to parachutists have been amended to include action to be taken on encountering turbulence close to the ground.
	(l) Pre-descent emergencies briefings to parachutists amended to include the possibility of turbulence when winds are at the higher end of the permitted range.
	(m) Syllabus of training and pre-descent briefings to parachutists amended to emphasise the minimum operating height of the handle, which cuts away the main parachute and activates the reserve, through better use of visual stimuli.

Premature Voluntary Release

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have left the armed forces by premature voluntary release in each of the past 15 years; and what the 10 most commonly cited reasons given for premature voluntary release are.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The number of trained UK regular personnel who have left the armed forces by premature voluntary release/retirement is as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year Naval Service officers Naval Service other ranks Army officers Army other ranks RAF officers RAF other ranks Officer total Rank total Total 
		
		
			 2001–02 219 1,973 543 4,982 275 1,740 1,037 8,695 9,732 
			 2000–01 167 1,327 531 5,311 241 1,690 939 8,328 9,267 
			 1999–2000 238 1,676 442 5,314 213 1,757 893 8,747 9,640 
			 1998–99 164 1,706 509 5,947 243 1,742 916 9,395 10,311 
			 1997–98 170 1,754 458 5,744 216 1,555 844 9,053 9,897 
			 1996–97 136 1,877 373 5,851 192 1,526 701 9,254 9,955 
			 1995–96 118 1,404 353 6,513 167 1,838 638 9,755 10,393 
			 1994–95 95 1,087 254 6,377 141 1,432 490 8,896 9,386 
			 1993–94 47 1,328 191 5,571 178 1,273 416 8,172 8,588 
			 1992–93 146 1,548 319 7,490 288 1,791 753 10,829 11,582 
			 1991–92 209 2,289 590 8,740 293 2,632 1,092 13,661 14,753 
			 1990–91 254 2,919 704 10,811 332 3,250 1,290 16,980 18,270 
			 1989–90 233 2,654 769 12,058 400 3,891 1,402 18,603 20,005 
			 1988–89 209 2,118 691 11,641 359 3,276 1,259 17,035 18,294 
			 1987–88 203 2,454 723 10,610 336 2,264 1,262 15,328 16,590 
		
	
	There is no single reason why individuals decide to leave the services and reasons are not necessarily the same across all three services, but some common reasons can be gleaned. These are as follows:
	Current and future job satisfaction;
	Wish to take up another career;
	Better employment opportunities outside;
	Family stability;
	Promotion prospects;
	Separation from family.
	For the Naval Service from the Ratings Notice Giving Survey 2001–02, the following are the most common reasons listed in order of importance as to why people leave the service: The desire to live at home; Wish to take up another career; To marry/raise a family; Ability to plan long term; Time spent on mundane tasks; Level of job satisfaction experienced; Extent of family disruption; Pay in general; Always intended to leave after a number of years. The Army routinely carries out a survey of leavers. The six most frequently cited reasons for leaving the Army given by leavers are identified below.
	Lack of job satisfaction;
	Amount of separation from spouse/partner;
	Better civilian job opportunities outside the Army;
	Effect of the Army lifestyle on marriage/relationship;
	Staying longer will make it more difficult to start a new career;
	Compassionate reasons.
	For the RAF, the Command Scientific Support Branch (CSSB) compiles an annual leavers survey that examines why airmen, airwomen and airmen aircrew are leaving the service. They also administer a questionnaire to all officers who have actively decided to leave the RAF, either at an option point or on PVR terms. The findings from the 2000–01 administration show that there is no single prevailing reason for leaving the RAF. However, the main reasons (which are similar across all branches and trades) are as follows. For officers the five most important individual items from the questionnaire were:
	Future job satisfaction;
	Employment opportunities outside the RAF;
	Career prospects outside the RAF;
	Current job satisfaction;
	Service morale.
	For other ranks the five issues found to account for the majority of airmen's reasons for leaving were: Lack of job satisfaction;
	Promotion prospects;
	Staying any longer would make it difficult to start a second career;
	Family stability;
	Promotion does not appear to be related to abilities.

Retired Officer Scheme

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 19 November, ref. 81662, which employment legislation is driving the abolition of the Retired Officer Scheme; what measures have been taken to recruit into military support posts; and how the terms and conditions of service of those that would have been recruited into the Retired Officer Scheme will be affected by the new arrangements.

Lewis Moonie: The EC Directive on fixed term work places restraints upon the use of fixed term appointments for retired officers, the current method of employment. Following agreement with all key stakeholders, preparations are in hand to make the first appointment by fair and open competition to a military support post in early 2003.
	Normal civil service terms and conditions will apply with, exceptionally, a normal retirement age of 65 as an expedient to help to overcome the current manning deficit.

Service Accommodation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many members of the (a) RAF and (b) Army indicated when last questioned that they were (i) satisfied and (ii) dissatisfied with the standard of their accommodation; what percentage of those responding this represents; what percentage of actual strength this represents; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many members of the Army indicated when last questioned that they were (a) satisfied and (b) dissatisfied with the standard of their service family accommodation; what percentage of those responding this represents; what percentage of actual strength this represents; what areas they indicated were in greatest need of improvement; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Service Personnel

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of Service personnel went AWOL or deserted in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the equivalent figures were (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 20 years ago.

Lewis Moonie: I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Service Personnel (Deaths)

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of each of Her Majesty's armed forces have died through (a) combat or civil disturbance related incidents, (b) natural causes, (c) road traffic accidents and (d) accidental, self-inflicted and other causes in (i) Great Britain, (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) Germany and (iv) other overseas postings in each year since 1990.

Lewis Moonie: Between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2001, 2,481 serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces have died. 110 as a result of hostile action and assault; 326 with suicide or open verdicts, 777 due to natural causes; 762 deaths due to road traffic accidents; and 506 due to all other causes (including outstanding coroners verdicts).
	
		Regular Armed Forces deaths by cause since 1 January 1990
		
			   Year of Death  
			   1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Grand Total 
		
		
			  
			 Deaths due to Hostile Action & Assault Army Navy RAF 12 
			 0 
			 0 36 
			 1 
			 5 7 
			 0 
			 0 7 
			 0 
			 0 11 
			 2 
			 0 3 
			 1 
			 0 6 
			 1 
			 0 3 
			 2 
			 0 1 
			 0 
			 0 4 
			 0 
			 1 3 
			 1 
			 0 3 
			 0 
			 0 96 
			 8 
			 6 
			 Suicide and Open Verdicts Army Navy RAF 21 
			 9 
			 14 25 
			 6 
			 8 20 
			 6 
			 7 22 
			 1 
			 9 19 
			 6 
			 5 25 
			 1 
			 3 18 
			 5 
			 3 17 
			 4 
			 4 13 
			 0 
			 3 11 
			 4 
			 2 16 
			 4 
			 7 7 
			 1 
			 0 214 
			 47 
			 65 
			 Deaths due to Natural Causes Army Navy RAF 48 
			 19 
			 36 40 
			 19 
			 28 50 
			 21 
			 29 39 
			 9 
			 24 29 
			 18 
			 21 24 
			 12 
			 25 16 
			 9 
			 15 25 
			 16 
			 17 28 
			 10 
			 17 21 
			 7 
			 16 23 
			 6 
			 14 20 
			 14 
			 12 363 
			 160 
			 254 
			 Deaths due to RTA Army Navy RAF 67 
			 13 
			 22 72 
			 13 
			 7 50 
			 17 
			 16 40 
			 22 
			 13 41 
			 8 
			 10 32 
			 7 
			 14 26 
			 9 
			 8 39 
			 9 
			 6 40 
			 5 
			 16 30 
			 8 
			 4 30 
			 7 
			 11 31 
			 11 
			 8 498 
			 129 
			 135 
			 Other Causes Army Navy RAF 27 
			 9 
			 23 20 
			 14 
			 17 28 
			 4 
			 12 25 
			 12 
			 18 30 
			 3 
			 16 30 
			 10 
			 20 19 
			 3 
			 8 9 
			 8 
			 6 15 
			 11 
			 6 19 
			 7 
			 9 22 
			 7 
			 2 21 7 9 265 
			 95 
			 146 
			 Grand Total  320 311 267 241 219 207 146 165 165 143 153 144 2,481 
		
	
	Note
	Suicide and open verdicts for 1995 and later are subject to change as outstanding coroners verdicts are confirmed. This could lead to significant increases, particularly for 1999 and later.
	Between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2001, 1,701 members of Her Majesty's armed forces have died in Great Britain; 111 have died in Northern Ireland; 276 have died in Germany; and 393 have died in all other overseas postings. These figures are shown in the table.
	
		Regular Armed Forces deaths by location since 1 January 1990
		
			   Year of Death  
			   1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Grand Total 
		
		
			  
			 Great Britain Army Navy RAF 92 
			 45 
			 83 85 
			 47 
			 49 75 
			 44 
			 48 84 
			 32 
			 56 70 
			 34 
			 41 66 
			 27 
			 47 49 
			 25 
			 26 66 
			 34 
			 27 61 
			 20 
			 34 61 
			 20 
			 30 65 
			 20 
			 30 54 
			 31 
			 23 828 
			 379 
			 494 
			 Northern Ireland Army Navy RAF 15 
			 0 
			 0 14 
			 0 
			 0 18 
			 0 
			 5 13 
			 1 
			 0 6 
			 0 
			 1 11 
			 1 
			 0 4 
			 0 
			 1 5 
			 0 
			 0 3 
			 0 
			 1 1 
			 0 
			 0 5 
			 0 
			 1 5 
			 0 
			 0 100 
			 2 
			 9 
			 Germany (BAOR) Army Navy RAF 39 
			 0 
			 9 44 
			 1 
			 4 37 
			 0 
			 5 21 
			 0 
			  25 
			 0 
			 2 15 
			 0 
			 4 14 
			 0 
			 3 8 
			 0 
			 2 10 
			 0 
			 1 9 
			 0 
			 0 7 
			 0 
			 2 10 
			 0 
			 1 239 1 36 
			 Other overseas postings Army Navy RAF 29 
			 5 
			 3 50 
			 5 
			 12 25 
			 4 
			 6 15 
			 11 
			 5 29 
			 3 
			 8 22 
			 3 
			 11 18 
			 2 
			 4 14 
			 5 
			 4 23 
			 6 
			 6 14 
			 6 
			 2 17 
			 5 
			 1 13 
			 2 
			 5 269 
			 57 
			 67 
			 Grand Total  320 311 267 241 219 207 146 165 165 143 153 144 2481

Strategic Sealift Programme

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what costs were incurred as a result of his ministerial direction regarding the Strategic Sealift programme.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 November 2002
	No net costs resulted from the ministerial direction. There were some associated management and legal charges, which would not otherwise have been incurred, offset by savings in the terms of the service contract. The shipbuilding contracts themselves had already been negotiated by the service provider and the Ministry of Defence assumed responsibility for contract payments. These will be recovered from the service provider when the ships are completed.

Suicides

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the result was of his recent review of the definition of a self-inflicted death; what actions he has taken in consequence; and what steps have been taken to compare the rate of suicides in each of Her Majesty's armed forces with information available from the Office for National Statistics from samples of the civilian population and appropriate comparator groups.

Lewis Moonie: The review of the statistical classification of deaths in the armed forces is still underway. Whilst this is going on, the category of Xself inflicted deaths", which had been the basis of some Parliamentary Questions and some official statistics, will not be used. This category had included coroner confirmed suicides and open verdicts, broadly in line with the Office for National Statistics definition of suicide, but coroners' verdicts of accidental death and death by misadventure, together with unknown and outstanding verdicts, were also included. This wider Xself inflicted" category was often misinterpreted as meaning suicide. One of the aims of the review is to remove such confusion by putting the definitions on the same footing as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) use. This will allow more meaningful comparison between military and civilian populations. Furthermore, in answering future questions specifically about the number of suicides, both coroner confirmed suicides and open verdicts will be shown. The Defence Analytical Services Agency are liaising with colleagues in the ONS, and intend to publish an analysis of trends and method of suicides among the armed forces compared to civilians in the first part of 2003.

UK Arms Industry

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the total Government subsidy of the UK arms industry in the last year for which figures are available.

Lewis Moonie: As set out in our recent defence industrial policy, our aim is to ensure that our industry is competitive in both the home and overseas markets. This is best achieved through exposure to fair and open competition and it is not our policy to use subsidies, although some limited support, such as the Export Credit Guarantee scheme, is available to the defence industry.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when British forces will be able to deploy weaponised unmanned aerial vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: We currently have no plans to deploy weaponised unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, we are conscious of the need to exploit the significant potential offered by UAVs. The Joint UAV Experimentation Programme (JUEP) announced earlier this year as part of SDR New Chapter will therefore look at the operational utility of UAVs in a wide range of areas including the potential for weaponisation.

Water Containers

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to provide servicemen with personal back-carried water containers when deployed to warm weather theatres.

Lewis Moonie: Personal Hydration Sets are being procured for personnel deployed on operations in hotter climates.

West Freugh Airfield

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to restore access to West Freugh airfield for storage of private aeroplanes.

Lewis Moonie: There are no plans to do so. Following the cessation of full time air operations at West Freugh, the site operator, QinetiQ, decided that use of the airfield by private aircraft should be discontinued. This was on the grounds that it would have been uneconomic for QinetiQ to provide the resources required to meet the attendant health, safety and other responsibilities, given the infrequent use of the site by private aircraft.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Corporate Parents

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what definition he uses of the term corporate parents.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 25 November 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	Corporate parenting refers to the parenting role that councils and therefore councillors take on when they look after a child or young person. Corporate parenting represents the amalgam of functions vested in councils with social services responsibilities by the relevant sections of Part IV of the Children Act 1989. The role does not apply only to the social services department but to the council as a whole on a corporate basis.
	The then Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Frank Dobson), used the term when he wrote to all councillors at the launch of the Quality Protects programme in 1998. He said:
	XFor children looked after, your council has a legal and moral duty to try to provide the kind of support that any good parents would give to their children. ... the underlying message for you as a local councillor is straightforward: you should do your utmost to make sure that children in the public care get a good start in life. You need to be able to live up to the Government's expectations of local authorities as corporate parents."

Drugs Education

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what training teachers providing drugs education in secondary schools are required to undertake.

Stephen Twigg: Funding is available to all local education authorities through the standards fund (£15.5 million in 2002–03) for drug education. Part of the funding, £1.3 million in 2002–03 was set aside to extend the drug, alcohol and tobacco education training package, which aims to support teachers in planning, delivering and monitoring effective drug education by learning from and with other teachers, through teacher observations and collaborative enquiry supported by teaching networks.
	As drug education features within the National Curriculum Science Order, all initial teacher training courses for those preparing to teach science should address the appropriate aspects of drug, alcohol and tobacco education relating to each key stage. Through initial training newly qualified teachers acquire: an understanding of PSHE and Citizenship, through which drug education is usually delivered; working knowledge of their pastoral responsibilities as teachers; and a readiness to promote the well-being of pupils.

Education (Mining Communities)

Dave Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will introduce measures to help children from mining communities who underachieve.

Ivan Lewis: In January 2001, we jointly commissioned research with the Coalfield Communities Campaign that looked into patterns of educational achievement in the coalfields. Evidence showed that coalfield areas are benefiting from the literacy and numeracy strategies at primary level, but attainment declines by Key Stage 3 level (11–14 years olds) and is well below the national average by GCSE stage. The research also showed, however, that there is no particular 'coalfield effect' and that similar problems occurred in other comparable areas that had experienced industrial economic decline. The full research report is available on the Department's internet site (DfES research report 314) and in the House of Commons Library.
	We have several strategies already helping to raise educational attainment in deprived areas, although we recognise there is still work to be done.
	Coalfield areas are also benefiting from more localised targeted support which provides additional resources for schools serving disadvantaged areas. This includes Excellence in Cities, Excellence Clusters and Education Action Zones We are working with coalfield organisations to clarify issues characteristic to coalfield areas and to agree a joint agenda for action.

Engineering Trainees

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many companies employ (a) apprentices and (b) other recognised trainees within the engineering industry; what action he is taking about changes in the number of companies employing apprentices and other recognised trainees within the engineering industry; what action he is taking to encourage engineering companies to take on apprentices and other recognised trainees; and what incentives are available to young students who wish to start a career in engineering.

Ivan Lewis: The Government are firmly committed to its Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme across all sectors. We value the contribution the engineering sector makes to providing high quality training and acknowledge the key role of EMTA in developing the new Sector Skills Council. Although we do not hold the information requested, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is currently working to obtain a picture of employers participating in apprenticeships as part of improved management information arrangements recommended by the MA Advisory Committee.
	Responses to the LSC's recent national marketing campaign show that engineering MAs continue to be one of the most popular options for young people. In terms of numbers of young people pursuing them, the engineering manufacturing sector has the largest number of Advanced MAs in learning. A new campaign aimed at employers began last month. Engineering is also in the highest MA funding band. Engineering employers are represented on the LSC group which advises on funding rates and 2002–03 funding increased for Engineering MAs aged 16 to 18.

Grants

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the grants funded by his Department for which individual members of the public and organisations may apply; and if he will make a statement as to (a) the total of such funding in the last financial year, (b) the total number of awards and (c) their administrative costs.

Charles Clarke: This Department works with over a 1,000 voluntary and private organisations to which grants are made directly. Organisations and individuals can apply to and receive grants via our NDPBs and other agencies, for which we hold no central records. We do not hold information centrally on all the organisations and individuals who apply for grants or the amounts paid. Therefore this question could be answered only at disproportionate cost.

Non-governmental Organisations

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list non-governmental organisations receiving (a) up to £5,000 and (b) over £5,000 in grants from his Department; to which NGOs he plans to award grants in 2002–03; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Clarke: This Department works with over a 1,000 voluntary and private organisations to which grants are made directly. Many more organisations receive grants via our NDPBs and other agencies, for which we hold no central records. Therefore this question could be answered only at disproportionate cost.

Outreach Programmes

Nick Hawkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding from his Department has been provided to the Outreach programmes provided by ACFA in financial year 2001–02; what will be provided in (a) 2001–03, (b) 2003–04 and (c) 2004–05; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Clarke: holding answer 25 November
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will provide a reply in due course.

Prisons (Education)

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much the Open University has spent on funding distance learning courses for prisoners in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Students in prison follow the same courses as all other Open University students, although the Open University does incur additional costs in terms of tailoring the presentation of the course to prisoner students. These additional costs in England and Wales, for which assistance is provided by the Home Office and DfES, are shown in the following table:
	
		
			 OU Financial Years £000 
		
		
			 1 August-31 July  
			 1997–98 94,980 
			 1998–99 105,291 
			 1999–2000 84,455 
			 2000–01 99,014 
			 2001–02 108,000 
		
	
	This does not cover Open University staff time to manage provision of services to prisoners.
	Students in prisons are not entitled to the standard student support arrangements for part-time students. However, the Open University offers fee waivers subject to certain conditions. The following table shows the cost to the Open University of fee waivers for prisoners in the United Kingdom:
	
		
			 OU Financial Years £000 
		
		
			 1 August-31 July  
			 2000–01 137,920 
			 2001–02 149,150 
			 2002–03 (16)100,648 
		
	
	(16) committed this year to date

Prisons (Education)

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many prisoners were undertaking level 1 Open University courses during the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer November 2002
	The following table shows the number of prisoners in each of the countries of the United Kingdom who are taking level 1 Open University courses in 2001–02. It also shows the total number of students in prison who are studying with the Open University.
	
		
			  England Wales Scotland N.Ireland Total UK 
		
		
			 Level 1 143 0 5 2 150 
			 All levels 420 3 17 14 454

Targets

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of progress towards the targets for 2004 agreed between his Department and (a) HM Treasury and (b) the Prime Minister's Department.

Charles Clarke: holding answer 18 November 2002
	There is ongoing assessment of progress against Public Service Agreement targets, which are agreed and published as part of the Spending Review.
	The Department has published progress against targets due to be met in 2004 in its spring annual report and will shortly publish updates in its first autumn performance report.

Targets

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how often and by what means assessments are made of progress towards his Department's targets with (a) HM Treasury and (b) the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit.

Charles Clarke: holding answer 18 November 2002
	There is ongoing assessment of progress against PSA targets with both HM Treasury and the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit via correspondence and meetings. The Department publishes progress against these targets in its spring departmental report and will shortly publish updates in its first autumn performance report.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Leg-Irons and Cuffs

David Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstance export licences are granted for (a) over-sized cuffs and (b) leg-irons manufactured in the UK.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend, the then Foreign Secretary (Mr Robin Cook) announced on 28 July 1997 (Official Report, column 65W) a complete ban on the export or transhipment from the UK of electric-shock batons, stun guns, lasers, leg-irons, gang chains, shackles (excluding normal handcuffs) and electric-shock belts designed for the restraint of a human being. The necessary amendment to the Export of Goods (Control) Order came into force in December 1997.
	All export licence applications for over-sized handcuffs are rigorously assessed on a case by case basis against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria and other announced Government policies. This includes consideration of the risk of the over-sized handcuffs being used as, or converted into, leg irons or shackles.

Afghanistan

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information has been given to the United Nations over the killing of prisoners near Kunduz during the war in Afghanistan.

Mike O'Brien: We cannot answer on behalf of the UN. However, it is in the public domain that an investigation by Physicians for Human Rights in January 2002 reported claims from captured Taliban that 1,000 men had suffocated on their journey to Shiberghan prison in late November 2001. Their bodies were allegedly buried in mass graves at Dasht-e-Leili.
	A preliminary UN investigation into the alleged grave sites recommended in May 2002 that a full investigation be carried out, when the conditions for witness protection allowed. In order to protect witnesses the UN cannot release any detailed information at this stage.
	We are concerned about the alleged human rights abuses at Shiberghan. The British embassy in Kabul has raised our concerns with the Afghan Transitional Administration, the UN, the US authorities and the Afghan Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The embassy also recently raised the issue with Afghan Interior Minister Wardak. He agreed the matter was serious and undertook to co-operate in a UNAMA/AHRC investigation. We also welcomed the Transitional Administration's announcement on 21 August that they would fully co-operate with human rights organisations in the investigation of these alleged mass graves.

Eritrea

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards the demobilisation of soldiers in Eritrea.

Bill Rammell: Over 8,000 soldiers have been demobilised since the IBRD programme became effective on 8 August 2002.

EU General Affairs Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held on 18 to 19 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for International Development, the Secretary of State for Defence and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 November 2002. Conclusions were agreed by consensus and no formal votes were taken.
	General Affairs Session
	Progress of work in other Council formations
	The Council took stock of the Presidency report on the work of other Council configurations (doc. 14057/02), noting decisions reached at the ECOFIN meeting of 5 November on modifications to the EIB's statute and the increase to the ECB's capital and foreign exchange reserves, in the context of enlargement.
	Preparation of the European Council in Copenhagen
	The Council endorsed the draft annotated agenda (doc. 14257/02) for the European Council, which lists two items only: enlargement and the functioning of the Council in view of enlargement. The European Council will also be updated on the work of the Convention by the Presidency of the Convention and will have its customary meeting with the Presidency of the Parliament.
	The European Council is expected to take all necessary decisions to conclude all negotiations with the 10 candidate countries as identified at the Brussels European Council in October.
	Enlargement
	The Council discussed the way ahead with a view to concluding accession negotiations with 10 of the acceding countries in time for the Copenhagen European Council on 12 and 13 December 2002. The Council decided that their accession would take place on 1 May 2004, allowing acceding countries to participate in European Parliament elections of 2004. The Commissioners from the new Member States will join the Commission upon accession and will fully participate in the forthcoming Inter-governmental Conference, while candidates that are still negotiating will participate as observers.
	Reform of the Council Presidency
	The Council held a broad debate on reform of the Council Presidency, in advance of a report by the Presidency to be given to the European Council. While some Member States indicated a preference for maintaining the features of the present rotating Presidency and extending co-operation between successive presidencies, others underlined that it would be necessary to consider measures going beyond that.
	The Presidency also proposed that the role of the High Representative should be strengthened to help overcome Presidency weaknesses in the area of external relations. Proposals include chairing specific Council meetings, representing the Union in international organisations or in meetings with third countires, negotiating international agreements in the areas of CFSP/ ESDP and supervising EU special envoys.
	Commission's legislative and work programme
	The Council took note of a presentation by the Commission on its legislative and work programme for the year 2003, following the Annual Policy Strategy presentation in February 2002.
	The Commission's work programme is built around three priorities: making enlargement a success; security and stability (fight against terrorism, immigration policy, the new neighbours initiative); and a sustainable and inclusive economy.
	Terrorism: follow-up to the Action Plan
	The Council took note of the roadmap, outlining progress made in the fields identified by the Action Plan on the fight against terrorism, (doc. 13909/02)
	External Relations Session
	Middle East
	Ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East, international efforts and work on the road map. Concern was expressed at the continued violence and further development of settlements.
	Iraq
	The Council welcomed the unanimous adoption of the UN Security Council resolution 1441 on 8 November 2002, which paves the way for weapons inspectors to return to Iraq. The EU's objective on Iraq is clear: disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions. The EU will whole-heartedly support the UN on this.
	Cyprus
	The Council noted the UN Secretary General's presentation on a plan for settlement, regarding the initiative as timely. The Council expressed the hope that the UNSG's proposals would form the basis for a negotiated agreement. The Presidency reiterated its desire to see negotiations reach a conclusion prior to the Copenhagen European Council in December, to allow a re-united island to be welcomed into the EU. Belarus
	The Council re-examined the situation in Belarus, following its 21 October declaration expressing concern. It urged the authorities to avoid disruption of the activities of the OSCE Advisor and Monitoring Group (AMG) in Minsk. The Council noted that most Member States planned to implement measures to prevent entry to their territories by the President of Belarus, the Head of Presidential Administration, the Prime Minister, four government ministers, and the Chairman of the Committee of State Security.
	Korean Peninsula
	The Council reiterated its grave concern at the North Korean revelations concerning a uranium enrichment programme for nuclear weapons. It expressed deep concern that such a programme violated North Korea's international obligations via the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the IAEA safeguard agreement, the North-South Joint Declaration on Denuclearization and the Agreed Framework. The Council urged North Korea to immediately dismantle its programme in a verifiable manner and comply fully with its international commitments. Future international co-operation with the international community would be conditional on this. The Council stressed the EU's commitment to act in consultation with all relevant partners to resolve the situation peacefully.
	Western Balkans
	Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
	The Council welcomed the agreement reached by political leaders in Serbia on 5 November 2002 and urged them to ensure political stability, including a conclusive result for the forthcoming Serbian Presidential election, to allow all vital reforms to continue. The Council recalled that further strengthening of democracy in the FRY and Serbia requires prompt solutions to pending issues. It called on FRY political leaders to abide by democratic principles to ensure the effective functioning of institutions. It also called on them to rapidly adopt the Constitutional Chart and Action Plans on the internal market, trade and customs, to make progress towards the EU.
	FRY/Kosovo
	The Council welcomed the recent free and fair municipal elections in Kosovo and regretted that, following its boycott of elections, the Serb population of Mitrovica had no democratic representation. The Council welcomed the successful Donor Co-ordination Meeting of 5 November 2002 which underlined the need for continued engagement with the international community.
	Arms sales
	The Council expressed its deep concern at recent reports concerning illegal arms sales from FRY, Bosnia and Herzegovina to Iraq and Iran, in clear breach of UN sanctions. Such illegal sales tarnished the international reputation of the countries concerned and complicated their progress toward the EU. Measures had to be introduced to ensure such violations do not recur. The Council called upon all potential candidates for EU membership to adhere to the EU code of conduct on arms exports without delay. The international criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
	The Council reaffirmed the high importance it attaches to co-operation with ICTY. It expressed disappointment and growing concern at the insufficient co-operation by the FRY, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and in some cases, Croatia. The Council reiterated that failure to comply would seriously jeopardise further movement toward the EU.
	Stability pact for South Eastern Europe
	The Council expressed full support for the Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact, Dr. Erhard Busek. It invited the Special Co-ordinator to present a report on this ahead of the June 2003 'Zagreb Process' Summit in Thessalonika.
	ESDP
	The Council underlined the importance of ensuring co-ordination of the EU's civilian and military crisis management instruments in order to be able to respond effectively when needed. The Council welcomed the Action Plan on this and the intention to complete the strengthening of civil-military co-ordination by the end of the Greek Presidency.
	Military capabilities
	The Council considered all relevant aspects of EU military capability development, including the Rapid Response elements of the Headline Goal, common training and the Mediterranean Dimension. It welcomed the High Representative's report on efforts to reach agreement between the EU and NATO and invited him to pursue his contacts and report back at its next meeting on 9 December. The Council welcomed the PSC's progress report on Military Capabilities and noted that the overall assessment is encouraging. 19 panels are considering the shortfalls to be remedied and will issue final reports, evaluating the military implications of each proposed option, examine ways of filling potential gaps, study possible solutions and identify whether remaining shortfalls impose constraints on the delivery of the Headline Goal, by 1 March 2003. The Council agreed to task the PSC and EUMC to finalise the work on rapid response elements as soon as possible.
	Civilian capabilities
	The Council endorsed the declaration adopted by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs at their meeting in Brussels on 19 November 2002 at a Civilian Crisis Management Capability Conference. The declaration notes that an EU police planning capability already exists and that an appropriate EU planning and mission support capability should be established within the General Secretariat of the Council for the other areas of civilian crisis management as a matter of priority. As a result of the commitments made so far the EU has been able to set up a European Union police mission (EUPM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will take over from the UN International Police Task Force (IPTF) on 1 January 2003. Ministers stressed that the development of the EU's civilian crisis management capacity is an ongoing process. They stressed that a solution to the financing of civilian crisis management operations under title V of the Treaty in European Union would have to be found as a matter of priority in order to meet the EU's ambitions in the field.
	International trade in coffee
	The Council held an exchange of views and expressed serious concern about the situation. Although there were no quick, short-term solutions, initiatives needed to be taken. The issue needed to be looked at in a broader context, including with a view to sustainable development. The Council noted the Commission's willingness to explore possible solutions for the general commodities situation.
	Trade and development
	Trade and poverty reduction
	The Council welcomed the Commission's communication on Trade and Development and recalled the joint Council-Commission Statement on the European Community's Development policy of November 2000, which highlights Trade and Development as a priority of poverty- reducing Community development activities. The Council reiterated that trade liberalisation in itself is not sufficient to combat poverty in developing countries, but must be part of a wider, country-owned poverty reduction strategy combining trade and development objectives with sound domestic policies, including good governance and anti-corruption measures.
	Integrating trade and development strategies
	The Council recalled the Doha Declaration objectives and its commitment to placing development at the heart of the work programme through: better market access for developing countries; balanced trade rules that developing countries can apply progressively and flexibly; willingness to solve the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) problem; and through strengthening the capacity for developing countries to adhere to technical standards and regulations.
	The Council welcomed the outcome of the 2002 Monterrey Financing for Development conference, underlined its strong commitment to the Cotonou Agreement and welcomed the initiation of negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the ACP countries in September 2002. The Council emphasised that the XEverything But Arms" (EBA) initiative demonstrates the EU's leadership on trade and development and calls on other industrialised countries to emulate this.
	Enhancing trade-related assistance
	The Council invited the Commission to ensure that trade-related assistance is stepped up as part of a coherent assistant strategy within Country and Regional Strategy Papers (CSPs and CRSPs). It also endorsed the Commission's proposal to focus trade-related assistance in three main areas: assistance for WTO accession, multilateral and other trade negotiations; support for implementation of WTO commitments; and strengthening capacity to adhere to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). It invited the Commission to pursue all initiatives that ensure trade, development and environment policies are mutually supportive and urged the Commission to work to ensure an ambitious outcome for the Doha Development Agenda. The Commission will present a comprehensive report on further trade and development recommendations in the first half of 2005.
	Untying of aid
	The Council heard a Commission presentation, based on a recent communication on untying aid. The Commission proposed that all aid should be untied on two conditions: the agreement of the recipient country would be required and full untying would take place only on the basis of reciprocity between donors.
	Follow-up to international conferences
	Monterrey
	The Council held an exchange of views on commitments made at Monterrey (March 2002) and Johannesburg (September 2002) and stressed the need for adequate monitoring of implementation of these in order to meet the Millennium Development goals.
	Humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa
	The Council reviewed the humanitarian situation crisis affecting Southern Africa, and in particular, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Council called on the Commission and Member States to consider offering further aid in response to UN appeals. The Commission was requested to make a more detailed needs assessment prior to the Council's meeting in December.
	New Neighbours initiative
	The Council adopted conclusions without debate, expressing its wish that the EU put in place further conditions which would allow it to enhance its relations with its Eastern European neighbours: Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. It recognised the need for the EU to formulate an ambitious, long-term and integrated approach towards each of these countries, with the objective of promoting democratic and economic reforms and sustainable development and trade. The Commission and High Representative were invited to prepare more detailed proposals on how to take this initiative further.
	Sri Lanka
	The Council adopted the conclusions on Sri Lanka, undertaking to strengthen the EUs engagement in the peace process in Sri Lanka and participate in the Oslo donor conference on 25 November 2002 and contribute to the donor fund to be established.
	Chile
	The Council adopted a Decision on the signature and provisional application of certain provisions of the Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States and Chile.
	Justice and Home Affairs
	The Council adopted conclusions on intensifying cooperation on the management of migration flows with third countries, to ensure that an integrated, comprehensive and balanced approach to tackle the root causes of illegal immigration remains the European Union's constant long-term objective. International Cocoa Agreement
	The Council adopted a Decision on the signing and conclusion on behalf of the Community of the International Cocoa Agreement, 2001.
	Liability and compensation for damage in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea
	The Council adopted a Decision authorising the Member States, in the interest of the European Community, to ratify or accede to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea 1, 1996 (the XHNS Convention").
	Protection of the Communities' financial interests and the fight against fraud
	The Council adopted conclusions taking note of the annual report 2001 from the Commission on the protection of the Communities' financial interests and the fight against fraud. In particular it reiterated the importance it attaches to the participation of third countries, and especially the candidate countries, in action to fight fraud, and to their co-operation with OLAF. It invited the Commission to present a full summary of activities and actions undertaken in this field in the 2002 annual report.

North Korea

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made (a) directly and (b) through the United Nations Security Council to the North Korean Government on its nuclear weapons.

Bill Rammell: We have made clear to the North Korean Government our deep concern at their nuclear weapons programme, which breaches a number of international agreements. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary issued statements to the press concerning North Korea's nuclear programme on 18 October and 15 November. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials made representations to the DPRK Charge d'Affaires in London on 7 November, and the British embassy in Pyongyang made further representations to the DPRK Government on 11 November. No representations have yet been made through the UN Security Council. The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors meeting in Vienna on 28 November 2002 will discuss the North Korean nuclear programme.

Roma

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on securing the rights of Roma people residing in Eastern European countries; and how their rights will be affected by European Union enlargement.

Denis MacShane: States that wish to join the EU have to sign up to the Copenhagen Criteria. Only countries that meet the criteria, ensuring the basic human rights of all their citizens, can be invited to join. The EU reports annually on the candidate countries' performance against the criteria and these reports are taken into account in the accession process.
	The UK, other member states and the Commission have all put a high priority on Roma minority issues in their pre-Accession support for candidate states. And most countries have initiated separate national strategies for Roma.
	New member states will have to implement the new EU anti-discriminatory directives on accession.

Sussex Wreck

Richard Allan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with (a) the Junta de Andalucia, (b) the Spanish Government and (c) the Government of Gibraltar in relation to the proposed salvage operations on the wreck believed to be the 17th century warship, Sussex.

Denis MacShane: None.

Zimbabwe

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Commission regarding (a) the role of Zimbabwe in the forthcoming meeting of the ACP-EU, and (b) the presence there of Zimbabwean ministers who are on the travel ban list.

Bill Rammell: The forthcoming meeting of the European Union-African Caribbean Pacific (EU/ACP) Joint Parliamentary Assembly is a matter for the respective Parliaments. Invitations were made by the co-Secretariat of the EU/ACP.
	Those attending from ACP countries are entitled to certain privileges and immunities under the Lome and Cotonou Agreements. The EU' s Common Position 2002/145/CFSP imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe specifically allows member states to grant exemptions where travel is justified on grounds of attending meetings of international bodies.
	On 7 November Belgium alerted EU partners to the request from Christopher Kuruneri, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister for Finance and Paul Mangwana, Minister of State for State Enterprises, for visas to attend the EU/ACP meeting. Both are on the EU travel ban list. Under the terms of the Lomé and Cotonou Agreements, Belgium had a legal obligation to grant these visas, since these agreements override Council decisions on sanctions. The Belgian Government undertook to attach maximum restrictions. The banned individuals were granted visas only for the period 19–29 November, restricted to the territory of Belgium.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ACP-EU

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the European Development Fund paid for Zimbabwean Government officials to attend the forthcoming meeting of the ACP-EU.

Clare Short: Following our inquiries the European Commission have made it clear that there was no cost to the European Development Fund.

Aid Underspend

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what volume of aid in (a) Africa, (b) Central America, (c) Caribbean, (d) South America, (e) middle east, (f) Asia and (g) European countries has been unallocated in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement on underspend in each of these budgets.

Clare Short: DFID's entire budget has been fully allocated over the past five years. Each year our initial budget includes a modest Contingency Reserve, and in some years we have initially allocated funds for separate reserves for geographical divisions, but these reserves have always been re-allocated to specific programmes in the course of the year.
	The budget and outturn figures for each of the named seven regions for the past five years are (in £000s):
	
		
			   1997–98  1998–99  1999–2000  2000–01  2001–02  
			  Budget Outturn Budget Outturn Budget Outturn Budget Outturn Budget Outturn 
		
		
			 Africa 306,148 297,250 422,655 398,426 440,527 402,025 589,772 585,930 637,500 501,466 
			 C. America 3,850 3,931 3,600 3,554 4,440 4,282 3,820 3,313 4,328 4,208 
			 Caribbean 66,850 70,432 60,813 60,062 68,635 60,424 58,182 58,596 61,956 59,551 
			 S. America 19,950 19,072 19,667 18,896 19,310 20,106 19,563 20,086 31,646 27,848 
			 Middle east 19,675 13,873 22,250 18,560 26,550 32,686 44,300 42,567 49,900 53,990 
			 Asia 274,688 290,960 324,621 323,301 330,250 311,569 343,847 337,508 461,845 439,276 
			 Europe 40,150 38,238 37,955 30,254 42,100 35,287 40,878 36,673 49,250 44,370 
		
	
	These figures are on an indicative basis only, as there may be inconsistencies in data recording and there have also been changes in boundaries between divisions.

Central African Republic

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on efforts to distribute food aid in the northern provinces of the Central African Republic.

Clare Short: It is difficult to obtain precise information on the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic particularly in the areas of the country under rebel control. Inter-agency missions to assess the situation further than 30km north of Bangui have not been able to take place due to security concerns. We do know that the World Food Programme (WFP) has sent 45 metric tonnes of food to Northern Bangui and that nine tonnes of this has been distributed in the area directly to the north of the capital, to those most seriously affected by the recent fighting. We are also aware of World Health Organisation and CAR Red Cross society reports indicating that hospitals and health centres in the country's northern provinces are short of medicines.

Congo

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in the Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Clare Short: The humanitarian situation in Ituri remains a major cause for concern. We continue to monitor it as closely as possible.
	Some of the civilians displaced by the fighting have reached areas where access is possible. DFID have contributed £500,000 to the UN OCHA Emergency Response Fund established to help deal with this kind of contingency.
	We continue to work with the UN to explore options on how to strengthen the presence of MONUC in Bunia. We have also supported UN and EU statements condemning all the violence but especially the ethnic violence in Ituri.

Eritrea

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on bilateral aid to Eritrea following the agreement between the Government of Eritrea and the European Commission on 15 November.

Clare Short: We do not have a significant bilateral programme in Eritrea but make our major contribution through the EC. We have, however, provided support for humanitarian efforts, the peace process and small projects administered by the recently opened British Embassy in Eritrea. We also fund nearly 20 per cent. of EC assistance. Early next year we will investigate with the Government of Eritrea the scope for support to their Poverty Reduction Strategy process.

Eritrea

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken to improve the transport infrastructure in Eritrea.

Clare Short: We are not providing any direct support to improve the transport infrastructure in Eritrea. The European Commission agreed a Country Strategy Paper with the Government of Eritrea on 15 November. This provides for support to the transport sector, including support for roads under the short-term rehabilitation programme and preparation of the transport sector study. Previous EC assistance included the rehabilitation of the Massawa-Asmara road. In addition the World bank is providing support under its emergency reconstruction project for transportation, including roads. With the Italian Government, they are also supporting a ports rehabilitation project.

Ethiopia

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) funding for humanitarian assistance and (b) food her Department is providing to Ethiopia (i) bilaterally and (ii) through the World Food Programme.

Clare Short: So far we have made food and non-food humanitarian commitments of some £12.3 million in calendar year 2002 for Ethiopia. The food aid element of this figure is £2.4 million, which is made up of a £1.4 million bilateral contribution through Save the Children UK and £1 million through the World Food Programme. In addition we have contributed to the ICRC 2002 Appeal, which is delivering food aid in Afar region. We have also contributed to a GOAL intervention to provide supplementary food to malnourished children in Afar and are supporting Medecins sans Frontieres in similar work in Amhara region.
	In October the EC made available 23 million for 97,000 metric tonnes of food aid to cover food needs until the end of 2002. In addition to the food aid provision the EC has approved a 4 million programme of humanitarian aid for the victims of drought. Nearly 20 per cent. of the EC support is funded by the UK.
	We are keeping under close review the need to provide more food aid in coming weeks.

EU Aid

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what volume of aid in the EU's aid budget has been unallocated in each of the last five years for (a) Africa, (b) Central America, (c) the Caribbean, (d) South America, (e) the Middle East, (f) South Asia, (g) the Far East, (h) the Central Asian Republics, and (i) Europe; and if she will make a statement on underspend in the EU aid budget.

Clare Short: The European Commission organises its budget through annual commitment and payment appropriations. Regional budget lines for these funds are set out in the following table. Unallocated funds refers to any part of the initial budget that has not been committed to a project within the financial year.
	The first of the following tables gives information about all overseas development assistance from the European Commission Budget for the areas requested. This information has been taken from the reports of the European Court of Auditors and appears as in the reports.
	The second table gives information regarding payments from the European Development Fund (EDF). This is a non-budget voluntary fund for development programmes in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries which operates on a multiannual basis. The information provided has been taken from the 2001 Court of Auditors Report.
	The Commission has recognised the importance of resolving the problems caused by outstanding commitments in Category 4 of the budget. It is taking steps to progressively reduce this backlog within the overall reform context. This is proving to be a difficult task. We expect improvements to show once the deconcentration process has reached the majority of delegations. It is important that increased rates of spend are matched with evidence of improved effectiveness and impact.
	
		Amounts and proportion of total European Commission aid unallocated between 1997 and 2001
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001  
			 Budge line and description Amount unallocated % of total Amount Unallocated % of total Amount unallocated % of total Amount unallocated % of total Amount unallocated % of total 
		
		
			 B7—3 Co-operation with developing countries in Asia, Latin America and southern Africa, including South Africa 4.6 1 37.2 5 190.0 22 103.3 11 75.3 8 
			 B7—4 Co-operation with Mediterranean third countries and the Middle East 22.7 2 73.3 6 65.0 6 137.2 12 0.0 0 
			 B7—5 Co-operation with countries of central and eastern Europe, the new independent States and Central Asia 31.3 2 46.3 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 38.7 3 
		
	
	Note:
	This table gives figures for external aid from the European Commission Fund. This does not include the EFF.
	Amounts in the table are given in millions of euros for all years from 1999–2001. For 1998 and 1997 amounts are given in millions of Ecu.
	Source:
	European Court of Auditors Report annual reports for the financial years 1997–2001.
	
		Primary and secondary commitments from the EDF from 1997–2001 (euro million)
		
			 Year Primary commitments Secondary commitments Amount unallocated Percentage of total 
		
		
			 1997 600 950 0 0 
			 1998 2,300 2,050 250 11 
			 1999 2,700 1,400 1,300 48 
			 2000 3,750 2,350 1,400 37 
			 2001 1,550 2,250 0 0 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest 50 million.
	Source:
	European Court of Auditors Report for the financial year 2001

EU Aid Projects

Tony Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the European Union plans to issue calls for projects in 2002 for budget line B7–6312 Aid for Population and Reproductive Health in Developing Countries.

Clare Short: Calls for proposals for budget line B7–6312 will be issued by the end of January 2003.

Sierra Leone

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she has allocated for (a) police training, (b) investment in security communications equipment, and (c) police vehicles in Sierra Leone.

Clare Short: We assist the Sierra Leone Police through the Commonwealth Community Safety and Security Project (CCSSP), which has been carrying out extensive police reform since August 2000 with the aim of improving safety and security and respect for the rights of people, especially the poor, by re-establishing the Sierra Leone Police as an effective and accountable civilian police service. This project has allocated £1.5 million to provide training for over 9,000 officers. Two senior officers have successfully completed the Strategic Command Course at Bramshill Police Staff College, and 28 officers will have successfully completed the International Commanders Programme there by the end of 2002. With the exception of these two courses, all training has been carried out within Sierra Leone.
	We have provided £1.25 million for an extensive nationwide police communications network to be installed based on VHP and HF technology. Major cities and towns are linked over HF radio. Over 1,000 personal and vehicle radios are in use, and a modern command and control centre has been developed in Freetown. The system is supported by expert advice and training, spares supply and maintenance procedures.
	We have allocated £3.5 million for 155 Land Rovers, 158 motor cycles, 47 medium carriers, 24 large carriers, 10 ambulances/closed vans and 10 cars for the Sierra Leone Police. In addition spare parts for these vehicles and extensive support has been given in areas of fleet management, fuel control and mechanical training.

Sierra Leone

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to tackle the funding shortfall of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	We are concerned by the shortfall in funding for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The UK has contributed some £500,000, including £250,000 in set-up
	costs.
	We have pressed other donors to support its work; at the World Bank Consultative Group Meeting on Sierra Leone in Paris on 13–14 November.

PRIME MINISTER

Honours

Andrew George: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will list the names of people within the Honours Nomination and Ceremonial Units who (a) make decisions, (b) make recommendations, and (c) are regularly consulted in respect of gallantry and honours awards;
	(2)  who appoints members of (a) the Honours Nomination Unit and (b) the Ceremonial Unit;
	(3)  what efforts the Government makes to assure the country of the accountability and balance of the numbers and decisions made by (a) the Honours Nomination Unit and (b) the Ceremonial Awards Unit.

Tony Blair: I am responsible for recommending civilian gallantry and honours awards to Her Majesty The Queen. The George Cross Committee recommends gallantry awards to me. The Committee is chaired by the Head of the Home Civil Service; its other members are The Queen's Private Secretary and my appointments Secretary. The Secretary of the Committee puts forward recommendations to the Committee.
	For honours, I am assisted by assessment committees, whose members include outside experts as well as civil servants. The membership of these committees has remained confidential as under successive administrations. These committees make careful and informed judgements on the merits of all cases put to them. Lists of awards made are published in the London Gazette and are usually fully described in the media.
	The Ceremonial Secretariat incorporates both the Honours Unit and the Nominations Unit. The Secretariat is headed by a senior civil servant, Gay Catto, who is supported by a team of civil servants within the Cabinet Office.

TRANSPORT

A24

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has made concerning West Sussex county council's bid for funding to improve the A24 between Horsham and Capel; when he will announce his decision on funding; and how many accidents there have been on this road in each of the past five years.

John Spellar: As with all major local transport scheme bids my officials have discussed the proposal with the promoters, West Sussex and Surrey county councils, prior to the bid's submission. We will announce our decisions on all major local transport scheme bids in December as part of the local transport capital settlement for 2003–04. The accident figures on this road, in each of the last five years for which figures are available, are set out in the table.
	
		All accidents on A24 Horsham-Capel, between Great Daux Roundabout and Clark's Green (1997–2001)
		
			  Number of accidents 
		
		
			 1997 22 
			 1998 24 
			 1999 26 
			 2000 24 
			 2001 20

Aircraft Noise

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment and research has been made by his Department or is planned of the past and potential future impact of (a) changes in noise level permitted from individual aircraft and (b) changes in the size of aircraft upon (i) past increases and future total passenger and freight numbers and (ii) past and future (A) economic (B) environmental and (C) social impacts; and if he will place copies of related documentation in the Library.

John Spellar: holding answer 20 November 2002
	The appraisal of options for the future of UK aviation contains information on economic, social and environmental impacts. This information is set out in the national airport consultation documents published in July 2002. A complete set of those documents and supporting material is already available in the Libraries of the House.

Highways Agency

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people work for the Highways Agency in the south-east of England and London.

John Spellar: The Highways Agency employs 235 civil servants in its London office, 180 civil servants in its Dorking office and 30 civil servants in its Hemel Hempstead office.

London Underground

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many trains per hour it is safe to run on the Central Line on the London Underground.

John Spellar: This is an operational matter for London Underground.

Proposed Airport (Cliffe)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  in which local authority areas his Department has initiated (a) public meetings, and (b) exhibitions as part of the public consultation in respect of locating an airport at Cliffe;
	(2)  for what reason he has not held public (a) meetings and (b) exhibitions in Thurrock as part of the public consultation on locating an airport at Cliffe.

David Jamieson: My Department has not initiated any public meetings about the Cliffe option, or any other option, as part of the current consultation. We considered that public exhibitions about the options where the public could view large scale maps and ask questions of officials and consultants would be the most effective way to inform the consultation.
	Public exhibitions on the Cliffe option were held over four days at different locations. These were on 5 and 7 September at Chatham and Basildon, and on 4 and 5 October at Cliffe and Hoo St Werburgh. The main criteria applied in identifying suitable venues were proximity to the airport option and affected areas, venue capacity, accessibility, and availability.

Proposed Airport (Cliffe)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will rank in order the closeness by proximity of each district local authority area within a 20 mile radius of prospective airport at Cliffe.

David Jamieson: The following list ranks, in order, the proximity of local authorities which are within a 20 mile radius of the central point of the Cliffe option. Only authorities whose central land point is within the 20 miles radius have been included.
	Medway Council
	Castle Point District Council
	Southend Unitary Authority
	Rochford District Council
	Gravesham District Council
	Thurrock Unitary Authority
	Basildon District Council
	Swale Borough Council
	Dartford Borough Council
	Maidstone Borough Council
	Tonbridge and MallingBorough Council
	Havering Council
	Brentwood Borough Council
	Maldon District Council
	Chelmsford Borough Council
	Bexley Council

Proposed Airport (Cliffe)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he wrote to local authorities in Kent and Essex formally as part of the consultation exercise, inviting them to submit representations in respect of the proposal to locate an airport at Cliffe; and if he will list the authorities concerned.

David Jamieson: Following the launch of the consultation on 23 July, local authorities in the South East and East of England were sent copies of XThe Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East" main consultation document and questionnaire. The authorities in Kent and Essex are listed as follows:
	Kent:
	Kent County Council
	Medway Council
	Ashford Borough Council
	Canterbury City Council
	Dartford Borough Council
	Dover District Council
	Gravesham Borough Council
	Maidstone Borough Council
	Sevenoaks District Council
	Shepway District Council
	Swale Borough Council
	Thanet District Council
	Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
	Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
	Essex:
	Essex County Council
	Thurrock Unitary Authority
	Southend Unitary Authority
	Basildon District Council
	Braintree District Council
	Brentwood Borough Council
	Castle Point District Council
	Chelmsford Borough Council
	Colchester Borough Council
	Epping Forest District Council
	Harlow District Council
	Rochford District Council
	Tendring District Council
	Uttlesford District Council

Proposed Airport (Cliffe)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what coordination he has organised between different Government regional offices on consultation relating to the proposals for a new airport at Cliffe; and if he will make a statement.

John Spellar: The Government offices for London, the South East and the East of England were members of the reference and steering groups for the South East and East of England Regional Air Services (SERAS) study. Both groups met quarterly for the duration of the study.
	Following completion of the SERAS study in May 2002, my Department held regular meetings with the three Government offices in preparation for the consultation on the options for airport capacity in the South East. We continue to meet regularly. Government office officials were also present at the public exhibitions that have been held on the consultation options.

Rail Projects

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when a decision is expected on the proposals being put forward for (a) Crossrail and (b) Central Railway; what steps would then follow; and when legislation will be introduced.

John Spellar: We expect Cross London Rail Links Ltd. to put forward proposals for consideration in the new year. What steps would then follow will depend on the nature and content of those proposals.
	The SRA has now delivered to the Government its advice on Central Railway's proposals. We are considering its conclusions carefully.

Uckfield Line (Electrification)

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state the reasons why he has placed a summary of the Booz Allen Report on the electrification of the Uckfield line through Edenbridge in the Library and not the entire report.

John Spellar: holding answer 19 November 2002
	The full report has not been placed in the Library of the House because it contains commercially sensitive material. The summary of the report includes all the key costs and benefits relevant to the Strategic Rail Authority's decision, as well as outlining the effects on passengers.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Age Discrimination

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures his Department is taking to encourage companies to employ older people.

Ian McCartney: We have made a pledge to tackle age discrimination and we are committed to introducing age legislation covering employment, vocational training and guidance by 2006.
	We are already encouraging employers to adopt non-ageist employment practices through our Age Positive Campaign. The campaign raises employers' awareness of the business benefits of an age diverse work force and encourages a flexible approach to retirement to open up choice and opportunity for individuals to stay in work longer.
	In 1999 we published the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment which sets out the standards for non-ageist approaches to recruitment, training, promotion, redundancy and retirement. The code was developed with leading organisations including the CBI, TUG, the Employers Forum on Age and Age Concern. Evaluation shows that from 1999 to 2001 the number of companies using age in recruitment had already fallen from 27 per cent. to 13 per cent. and the number of companies having a policy against employing older workers had dropped from 14 per cent. to 7 per cent.
	Older workers have a wealth of skills and experience that can benefit individual businesses and the economy as a whole. Our policies will help to improve further the employment rate of people over 50, which has risen considerably since 1997.

Dangerous Incidents

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many dangerous incidents were investigated by the HSE in the last year.

Nick Brown: holding answer 21 November 2002
	It is not possible to separately identify dangerous incidents. However, in 2001–02, the Health and Safety Executive investigated 13,421 incidents reported under the Reporting of injuries, Diseases and dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)1995.

Housing Benefit

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received on the extension of housing benefit to cover water charges; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Housing benefit is an income-related benefit designed to help tenants on low incomes meet their reasonable housing costs. These include rent and any compulsory charges that are clearly related to the provision of adequate accommodation. Charges relating to personal needs, such as those for water and other utilities, are ineligible for housing benefit.
	We have received no recent representations on extending housing benefit to cover water charges.

IT Security

Brian White: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to review the security of the Department's IT system; and how many digital attacks there were on the Department's system in (a) October and (b) 2002.

Ian McCartney: Security of IT systems is under constant review and a procedure is in place to log, investigate and analyse all recorded incidents.
	The number of cases of digital attack recorded was (a) 8 in October and (b) 122 in 2002.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the evidential basis was for his decision not to increase the earnings disregards for jobseeker's allowance; when this disregard was last increased; and what it would be worth if it had been uprated.

Malcolm Wicks: Our policies are giving everybody who can work the opportunity to do so, and providing security for those who are unable to work. We have introduced the national minimum wage, working families tax credit and, from April 2003, the new tax credits to ensure that people are better off in work than on benefits.
	Any decision on increasing the earnings disregard for jobseeker's allowance is a question of fine judgment. We need to balance the benefits of encouraging people into part-time work and maintaining contact with the labour market, against any possible disincentives to full-time work. If the earnings disregard is set too high, then the gap between in-work income and out-of-work benefits becomes so narrow as to discourage people from taking up full-time work.
	We keep the earnings disregard under review, but there is no set mechanism or formula for increasing it. There is, therefore, no basis on which to calculate an uprated value. We have, however, targeted extra help where it is most needed. For example, for lone parents and certain disabled people the earnings disregard was increased from £15 to £20 from April 2001.

New Deal

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents have found and retained work for more than four weeks on the New Deal for Lone Parents.

Nick Brown: By the end of June 2002, 152,230 lone parents had found work through the New Deal for Lone Parents.
	We do not record the status of lone parents four weeks after they have started work. Sustainability of employment is one of the issues that is being examined as part of the evaluation of the New Deal for Lone Parents, which is due to be published in spring 2003.

Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the number of employees who are (a) contracted out and (b) not contracted out of the state pension; and what the corresponding figures were (i) one year earlier, (ii) two years earlier and (iii) five years earlier.

Ian McCartney: The available information is in the table:
	
		Thousands 
		
			  1990–91 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 
		
		
			 Number of people belonging to contracted-out pension schemes 14,758 14,659 14,566 14,817 
			 Number of people belonging to the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme 7,161 6,555 7,115 7,496 
		
	
	Source:
	Department for Work and Pensions' analytical services division.
	Owing to the implementation problems with the NIRS2 computer system, the 1995–96 tax year is the latest year for which precise information is available.
	When more up-to-date information is available I shall write to the hon. Member and place my letter in the Libraries of both Houses.

Pensions

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many companies are registered to sell stakeholder pensions to individuals and which companies have (a) entered the market, and (b) left the market, since the product first became available.

Ian McCartney: There are 47 companies registered as stakeholder pension providers offering a total of 51 registered stakeholder pension schemes. The majority of companies registered to sell SHPs before the product first became available on 6 April 2001. Details of companies that have entered the market and left the market since stakeholder pensions first became available on 6 April 2001 are in the table.
	
		
			  Address 
		
		
			 Companies entering the stakeholder pension market after 6 April 2001  
			 AIG Life (UK) Alico House, 22 Addiscombe Road, Croydon 
			 Direct Line Life Insurance Company Ltd. 3 Edridge Road, Croydon 
			 James Hay Trustees Ltd. Rowanmoor House, 46–50 Castle Street, Salisbury 
			 Personal Retirement Account Ltd. Oxford House, Oxford Road, Aylesbury 
			 Capital Cranfield Trustees Ltd. Harcourt House, 19a Cavendish Square, London 
			  
			 Companies leaving the stakeholder pension market after 6 April 2001  
			 St. Andrew's Life Assurance plc PO Box 10, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks 
			 James Hay Trustees Ltd. Rowanmoor House, 46–50 Castle Street Salisbury

Pensions

John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish his Green Paper on pension policy.

Andrew Smith: The Government plan to publish their proposals in a Green Paper on 17 December.

Reported Deaths

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many reported deaths were investigated by the HSE in the last five years.

Nick Brown: holding answer 21 November 2002
	The following table shows the number of deaths investigated by the HSE in the last five years.
	
		
			 Year Members of the public Worker 
		
		
			 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 124 258 
			 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999 126 236 
			 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 146 205 
			 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 148 267 
			 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002  243 
		
	
	Note:
	The data for members of the public for 2001–02 are not available for release as the information is due for publication on 10 December 2002 and is therefore subject to exemption 10 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

Winter Fuel Payments

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the number of winter fuel payment recipients is lower than the total population aged 60 years and over.

Ian McCartney: The number of winter fuel payments issued is less than the total population aged 60 and over because, although most people aged 60 and over who normally live in Great Britain in the qualifying week are entitled to a winter fuel payment, there are some exceptions. These are people who, in the qualifying week, have been in hospital for more than 52 weeks; or have been in residential care for more than 13 weeks and receive income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance; or are in custody under sentence. Also, people subject to immigration control who are not eligible for help from the Department for Work and Pensions are not entitled to a payment.
	In addition, where a couple is receiving the minimum income guarantee or income-based jobseeker's allowance, the claiming partner receives a £200 winter fuel payment for them both.
	Where a person needs to make a claim for their winter fuel payment, it is up to that person whether they choose to claim.

HEALTH

Female Genital Mutilation

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that female genital mutilation is not carried out in the UK.

Hazel Blears: To support our continuing work to educate the practising communities to abandon female genital mutilation (FGM), we increased funding for Forward, the leading organisation working in this field, from April 2002 to an annual total of £90,000.
	We have also been exploring how we might strengthen the legislation governing FGM.

Agency Fees

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on agency fees in the transfer of temporary agency staff to permanent NHS contracts in each of the last five years, broken down by health authority and primary care trust.

John Hutton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Alcohol Abuse

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is on seeking to deal with alcohol abuse among young people.

Hazel Blears: The Government are determined to tackle alcohol misuse among young people and measures to tackle misuse will form a key part of the national alcohol harm reduction strategy. The Government are currently conducting a consultation exercise on the strategy, and the consultation period will run until 15 January 2003. Copies of the consultation document have been placed on the Department's website (www.doh.gov.uk/alcohol/alcoholstrategy.htm) and on the Strategy Unit website (www.strategy.gov.uk/2002/alcohol/consultationdocument.shtml). The strategy itself will be published in summer 2003.

British Medical Association

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Chairman of the BMA; and how many meetings he has had with him in the last 12 months.

David Lammy: holding answer 25 November 2002
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health meets the Chairman of the British Medical Association and other representatives of the medical profession, including the medical Royal Colleges, on a regular and frequent basis.

Clinical Negligence Reform

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the White Paper on clinical negligence reform.

David Lammy: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Potential reforms to the way clinical negligence claims are handled raise complex issues and need to be considered in tandem with the review of the national health service complaints procedure, and my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor's consideration of possible changes in the basis on which compensation is paid. We hope to publish proposals for reform shortly.

Framework Agreement

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he was informed of the contents of slide 9 of the 'A New Consultant Contract—The Framework Agreement' presentation given by Mr. Andrew Foster Director of Human Resources for the NHS.

John Hutton: I became aware of this slide following publication of the British Medical Association referendum result on 31 October 2002.

GPs (Wandsworth)

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners over the age of 65 are working in medical practices in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

John Hutton: Figures for the London Borough of Wandsworth are not held centrally. Figures are held for Wandsworth Primary Care Trust and are shown in the table:
	
		General Medical Practitioners aged over 65 in Wandsworth Primary Care Trust as at 31 March 2002 (boundaries as at 1 April 2002)
		
			  Wandsworth PCT 
		
		
			 All Practitioners(17) 209 
			 of which:  
			 Aged 66 and over 8 
		
	
	(17) All Practitioners include GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs, PMS Salaried GPs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para. 52 SFA), PMS Other and GP Retainers.

Health Action Zones

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated (a) date, (b) cost to his Department and (c) cost to other government bodies is of the mainstreaming of health action zones; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Since April 2002, health action zones (HAZs) have been aligning locally with primary care trusts (PCTs) and local strategic partnerships (LSPs), and supporting PCT and LSP development. This process is reflected in the recommendations made by the regional co-ordination unit in their action plan for area based initiatives.
	Information is not held centrally about the costs associated with the alignment process.

Licence Fees

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what measures have been put in place to ensure correct billing of licence fees by the HFEA;
	(2)  what measures have been put in place to ensure that the National Audit Office can establish satisfactory audit procedures to confirm the accuracy of the licence fee income which should be collected by the HFEA.

Hazel Blears: From April 2002 the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) changed from an annual to a monthly invoicing system for the fees paid by licensed centres. Under this new system the invoices issued each month are based on the number of patient treatment cycles reported to the HFEA in that month, making the reporting and the invoicing easier to reconcile. In addition, the HFEA will visit all licensed centres by the end of 2002–03 to ensure that the centres are recording all the treatments they have undertaken in their monthly returns to the HFEA. The National Audit Office is continuing to monitor developments, working with the HFEA to establish how it will be able to rely on the results of these visits in order to draw conclusions on the accuracy and completeness of income due to the HFEA.

Licence Fees

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospital trusts provide parking spaces for their employees; and whether they are provided (a) free of charge and (b) subject to a charge.

John Hutton: No central record is kept of whether national health service trusts provide car parking spaces reserved for employees. Where car parking is provided it is a matter for the NHS trust whether or not to make a charge using their powers to generate additional income to better provide the health service.

LIFT Scheme

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the additional capital expenditure that will be generated by the LIFT scheme.

John Hutton: holding answer 21 November 2002
	The Department estimates that the initial investment from the 'first tranche' of schemes across the 42 local improvement finance trust (LIFT) areas will be in excess of £850 million.

Major Accidents (Fire Strike)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's preparation to deal with major accidents occurring during the industrial action by the FBU.

David Lammy: holding answer 25 November 2002
	All national health service organisations have major incident plans, which are regularly updated and tested. They are also responsible for ensuring that adequate fire precaution measures are taken and that arrangements are put in place to guard against identified risks. In view of the planned strike action by firefighters, the Department reminded Chief Executives and their Boards of their responsibilities, provided good practice guidance, and asked them to review their local procedures in the light of the changed circumstances during the firefighters strike.

Ministerial Visits

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times he has visited East Lancashire in his official capacity; and what the purpose was of each visit.

David Lammy: My right hon. Friend has not yet visited East Lancashire in his official capacity as Secretary of State for Health.

Oncology Nursing

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding is allocated to address shortages in oncology nursing within the NHS.

Hazel Blears: By 2003–4 we will be making an additional £570 million available to support the implementation of the NHS Cancer Plan. These increased resources will enable primary care trusts to decide where National Health Service resources are best spent in line with local priorities in providing high clinical standards and good value for money.
	The Government is implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment and retention of all staff, including nurses. Since 1997, the nursing workforce has grown by 31,520. Between September 1999 and September 2001 there was a net increase in nurses working in the NHS of 20,740—the NHS Plan target has been reached two years early. The increase in nurse numbers will enable the recruitment of additional cancer-site specific nurse specialists, chemotherapy nurses, district nurses, palliative care nurse specialists and additional nurses on wards caring for cancer patients.

Paediatric Oncology

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many paediatric oncology units there are within the NHS;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on NHS funding for pediatric oncology units within the NHS.

Hazel Blears: Specialist cancer care for children is concentrated in a national network of paediatric oncology centres, under the umbrella of the United Kingdom children's cancer study group (UKCCSG). There are 16 National Health Service paediatric oncology centres in England. These are:
	St James's University Hospital, Leeds
	Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool
	Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester
	Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle
	Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield
	Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham
	Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge
	Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester
	Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham
	St Bartholomews & The Royal London NHS Trust, London
	Great Ormond Street, London
	University College, London
	The Royal Marsden, Surrey
	John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
	Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol
	Southampton General Hospital, Southampton
	Paediatric oncology centres provide specialist and complex treatment for children with cancer. In addition, there are paediatric oncology shared care units around the country that can provide support, including certain investigations and treatment, nearer to the child's home. This reduces travelling and disruption to families, without compromising quality of care or outcome and provides support to the paediatric oncology centres. The Department does not hold details of this type of unit.
	The Cancer Plan set out the Government's commitment that an extra £570 million would be made available for cancer services by 2003–4. The Department does not collect figures on the cost of services provided by the NHS in a way that enables an accurate estimate of funding for paediatric oncology to be calculated.

Pain Management

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review his policy regarding the parallel use of opiate pain killers and strong sedatives with older people.

David Lammy: The older people's national service framework (NSF), which was developed with input from front-line staff and patients and published in March 2001, describes how the use of medicines for and by older people can be improved. The aim is to ensure that older people:
	gain maximum benefit from their medicines to maintain or improve their quality and duration of life;
	do not suffer unnecessarily from illness caused by excessive, inappropriate or inadequate consumption of medicines.
	The NHS Plan set a target for all primary care trusts to have schemes in place so that, by 2004, people get more help from pharmacists in using their medicines.
	Opiates are liable to abuse and diversion. They are subject to the controls required by the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985. Some painkillers, for example diamorphine, are classified as schedule 2 controlled drugs. Accordingly there are strict controls over prescription, requisition, storage and supply.
	The general principles for the safe and secure handling of medicines are covered, for primary and secondary care, by the Department's controls assurance standard. The systems for clinical and cost effective use of medicines are covered by the Department's medicines management performance management framework.
	Local treatment guidelines, including those for strong opiates and sedatives, should be in place and overseen by local drug and therapeutics committees.

Public Health Laboratories

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what cost benefit analysing has been carried out of the transfer of public health laboratories to host NHS trusts.

Hazel Blears: The benefits of transferring laboratories of the Public Health Laboratory Service to national health service trusts include:
	it is essential to create a comprehensive, coherent surveillance system, as described in the Chief Medical Officer's strategy, XGetting Ahead of the Curve";
	it will broaden the number of clinical staff required to report the occurrence of infectious diseases;
	it will place a duty of care on all microbiology laboratories to report for public health surveillance purposes; and
	generally, the transfers will bring public health activities within the mainstream of the NHS.
	The transfers are being implemented at no overall cost.

Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will give a breakdown by unit of NHS funding allocated to the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on dedicated cancer funding for the paediatric oncology unit at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton.

Hazel Blears: I am advised by Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals National Health Service Trust that the budget for the Royal Alexandra Hospital for 2002–03 is £9.69 million. The breakdown of funding is as follows:
	£3.77 million, paediatric medicine,
	£3.42 million, paediatric surgery,
	£1 million to neonatology at the hospital, plus a further £1.8 million allocated to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital,
	£0.64 million, paediatric intensive care,
	£0.4 million, dentistry,
	£0.36 million, clinical support.
	These are rounded figures so the combined total will not match the total budget.
	The total budget for paediatric oncology for 2002–03 is £664,000. This represents an increase of 8.85 per cent., on the budget for 2001–02.

Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on nursing and medical staff vacancies at The Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton; and what measures are being taken by his Department to fill them;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on vacancies within the paediatric oncology unit at The Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton; and what measures are being taken by the Department to fill them.

Hazel Blears: I am advised by Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority that Royal Alexandra hospital, part of Brighton and Sussex University Hospital's National Health Service Trust, currently has a vacancy rate of 11 per cent.. Of staff working specifically in oncology, the vacancy rate is currently 17 per cent.
	Recruitment to staff vacancies is undertaken locally, building on the Government's national recruitment campaign and other initiatives to improve recruitment and retention. Local recruitment measures include advertisements in the professional nursing press targeted at paediatric specialist staff. Furthermore, extra places in the staff creche are soon to come on stream, increased rates of pay for bank nurses are being examined and more flexible working patterns are being introduced. Additionally, the Royal Alexandra hospital is due to run a recruitment fair on 5 December.

Smoking

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will adopt rules for the use of (a) colour photographs and (b) other illustrations to depict and explain the health consequences of smoking, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10 (2) of the EU Tobacco Directive.

Hazel Blears: Article 11 of the European Union Directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products requires the European Commission to adopt rules concerning the use of pictorial health warnings on tobacco products by 31 December 2002. The Department is working with the European Commission to develop the use of these warnings.

St. George's Hospital

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations were cancelled at St. George's Hospital, Tooting, in the last 12 months.

John Hutton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Number of last minute cancellations for non-clinical reasons by quarter—St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust.
		
			 Year Quarter Last minute cancellations 
		
		
			 2001–02 Q3 282 
			 2001–02 Q4 256 
			 2002–03 Ql 37 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health form QMNG /QMCO
	A last minute cancellation is one that occurs on the day a patient is due to go into hospital or after they have arrived in hospital or on the day of their operation.

TB Action Plan

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish an action plan on TB.

Hazel Blears: In the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO's) recent report, XGetting Ahead of the Curve", tuberculosis was identified as a key infectious disease problem requiring intensified control measures to reduce illness and death.
	A new updated and targeted action plan will be submitted to the CMO by the end of 2002.

Tobacco Products

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department expects to have received from manufacturers and importers of tobacco products a list of all ingredients, and quantities thereof, used in the manufacture of those tobacco products by brand name and type, in accordance with the proposals laid down in the EU Tobacco Directive.

Hazel Blears: The European Union Directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products requires manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to supply the Secretary of State with a list of all ingredients per brand, together with their known health effects. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State will make and lay regulations shortly before Parliament to transpose the Directive. The Department will write to manufacturers once the regulations are laid, asking that the information be supplied in accordance with the timetable specified in the regulations.

Tobacco Products

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department sent a list of approved testing laboratories to test the tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields of cigarettes to the European Union in accordance with the proposals in the Tobacco Directive.

Hazel Blears: The European Union Directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products was due to be transposed into United Kingdom law by 30 September 2002. The UK is slightly late in implementing the Directive and has notified the European Commission of this delay. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make and lay regulations before Parliament shortly and the Department will then send a list of approved laboratories to the Commission.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Housebuilding

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many persons were employed in the house-building profession in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002

Brian Wilson: In 2001, 91,400 persons were employed by firms registered for VAT and classified as house builders. Information for 2002 is still being collected and will be published during summer 2003 in the Construction Statistics Annual.Separate figures for house-builders are not available for 1999 and 2000.

BAE

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance she has given to BAE to help it export to Thailand.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The Department, through British Trade International including the commercial section of the British embassy in Thailand, have assisted BAE Systems in their efforts to do business in Thailand.
	Representative from BAe Systems attended an Investment Seminar in the United Kingdom and the British Tai Business Group Meeting, in Bangkok, in 2001. Both events were co-sponsored by the Department.
	BAE Systems have not participated in any Outward Trade Missions or the Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad Scheme to Thailand in the past two years.
	On 18 October the ambassador signed a Joint Minute on Defence Co-operation with the Thai Deputy Prime Minister in Bangkok.
	The Joint Minute referred to a commercial agreement between BAe System and the Royal Thai Government, the details of which are to be worked out between BAE Systems and the Royal Thai Government.

Ballistic Missile Proliferation (Code of Conduct)

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional measures she proposes to take to implement the restraints in the (a) development, (b) testing and (c) spread of (i) missiles and (ii) space launch vehicles, in the new Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation.

Mike O'Brien: I have been asked to reply.
	The United Kingdom subscribed to the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC) on 25 November, which I announced to the House by means of a written Ministerial Statement today. Her Majesty's Government are already well placed to implement the undertakings in the Code. We already have strong measures in place for tackling the proliferation of ballistic missiles. The United Kingdom scrutinises export licence applications for any possible diversion of the goods to a missile programme of concern. We play an active part in the Missile Technology Control Regime, that co-ordinates national export controls on missile-related technology. Bilaterally, the United Kingdom encourages countries to show restraint in missile programmes and testing, emphasising the adverse effects they have on regional stability.
	In implementing the ICOC, in line with Part 4 of the Code, the United Kingdom will exchange with other subscribing states pre-launch notifications on ballistic missile and space launch vehicle launches and test flights. Also, in line with the Code we will share annual declarations on the United Kingdom's ballistic missile and satellite vehicle policies and launches.

BNFL

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what steps she takes to ensure that BNFL's engagement with US political parties and their representatives is consistent with (a) the national interest and (b) the interests of public funds;
	(2)  if she will take steps to prevent donations by BNFL to US political parties or lobbyists.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 20 November 2002
	BNFL is a public limited company and its Board is free to run the company day-to-day within the overall strategic framework set by HMG. Its activities are funded from its commercial activities, and not from public funds. I have raised this issue with the company and it has assured me that it has no intention of making any further political donations to US political parties.

Competitiveness Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council held in Brussels on 14–15 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: I represented the UK at the Competitiveness Council on 14 November in Brussels.
	Following on from the Nyborg Informal Council held in October, there was a debate about the structures needed to bring together the internal market, industry and research elements of the new integrated Competitiveness Council.
	There was a presentation by the Commission covering Better Regulation and its plans to improve the quality of European legislation.
	There was a presentation by the Commission on the Internal Market Scoreboard, which shows progress towards achieving a single market. In particular, it reports member states' performance on transposing European single market directives into national law. The UK has a good record, being one of only five member states to meet the target that 98.5 per cent. of directives should be transposed on time.
	A presentation on the joint work programme of three presidencies (Danish, Greek, and Italian) covered the internal market elements of the Competitiveness Council's work. Greece explained that in December they would present an integrated plan of their entire programme to the General Affairs Council.
	Discussions on the Community Patent proposal, which aims to create a single EU-wide patent, continued but no conclusion was reached.
	There was broad agreement for a common approach on a proposal to harmonise conditions under which computer programmes may be patented. The presidency concluded that the text should now await the European Parliament's first reading.
	The Commission presented its new proposal for a Takeovers Directive.
	There was an initial debate on the Free Movement Of Citizens Directive.
	All member states welcomed the recently published Winter report on corporate governance.
	The council welcomed the proposal for a directive on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications as part of the Lisbon agenda and there was considerable support for improved mobility within labour markets and more efficient recognition of qualifications. Delegations endorsed the consolidation, simplification, and rationalisation of current structures and legislation, a freer system for the cross-border provision of services, and improving information and support for migrants. Delegation also recognised the need to balance consumer protection and consumer choice. Discussions will continue at official level.
	The Commission presented a proposal for a Consumer Credit Directive to replace and update the 1987 Directive. The Council welcomed the dossier and called for a thorough examination at official level.
	The Commission gave a progress report on the consultation and work to date following the follow-up Communication to the Green Paper on Consumer Protection.
	The following agenda items were approved with little discussion: conclusions for the Competitiveness Council's contributions to Sustainable Development, the Internal Market Strategy for Services, and the proposed Motor Insurance 5th Directive.

Consignia

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance was allocated to (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Wales, (c) England and (d) Scotland as part of Consignia's Urban Network Reinvention Programme; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: Unlike the schemes to improve and sustain post offices in deprived urban areas for which separate funding provision has been made for England and for each of the three devolved Administrations, Post Office Ltd.'s Urban Network Reinvention Programme is a single UK-wide programme. Neither the Government nor Post Office Ltd. have pre-allocated funds for the Urban Reinvention programme to countries or regions within the UK.

East Midlands Development Agency

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the grant given to the East Midlands Development Agency.

Alan Johnson: The East Midlands Regional Development Agency has been allocated a net budget of £101,247,000 for expenditure on the agency's Single Programme in 2002–03. Grant in aid paid to the agency by the Department of Trade and Industry includes contributions from four other Government Departments.

EC Energy and Industry Council

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what matters in respect of nuclear power policy are on the agenda for the EC Energy and Industry Council on 25 to 26 November.

Brian Wilson: The Council agenda states that the Commission intends to make a presentation on their package of measures for a Community approach to nuclear safety in the European Union. The Commission proposals were published on 6 November and include a directive on the safety of nuclear installations during operation and decommissioning, a directive on spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste and a draft decision authorising the Commission to negotiate an Agreement between Euratom and the Russian Federation on trade in nuclear materials. Discussion of the proposals at the Council is not envisaged. The Commission will need to seek the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee and the group of experts established under Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty before taking the directives forward in the Council.
	Further information on the proposals can be found on the Commission website at http://europa.eu.int/comm/nuclear/new—package.htm

Firefighters' Dispute

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on preparations for a major incident at (a) chemical plants, and (b) nuclear installations during the period of industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 21 November 2002
	Chemical Industries Association (CIA), member companies and operators of nuclear installations have been carrying out contingency planning since strike action by the firefighters became a real possibility, and keeping the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) informed.
	The CIA has discussed with member companies the need to review the adequacy of existing plans and procedures, and to consider any additional steps they might take in the absence of emergency assistance from the Fire Brigade. The nuclear operators are likewise acting in the light of their responsibilities for safety on their sites and for emergency preparedness, and are keeping under review the implications of possible further strike action for their day-to-day activities.
	The Health and Safety Executive has offered advice to employers operating onshore major hazard sites and nuclear licensed sites. In essence, this advice is for businesses to review their risk assessments in the light of the changed circumstances and consider what additional actions might be necessary. Overall, the HSE view is that the existence of a strike should not, of itself, cause the vast majority of legitimate industrial or commercial activities to be curtailed, since emergency plans and evacuation should not be dependent on the presence of the fire brigade. The HSE's advice, and other advice to relevant industries, is available on HSE's website: www.hse.gov.uk/firefighters.htm

Insurance

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if she will provide assistance to small businesses who are (a) finding it difficult to obtain insurance and (b) being charged premiums that are substantially higher than before; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans she has to meet representatives from the Association of British Insurers to discuss recent increases in the cost of insurance cover for business; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what assessment she has made of the impact of the rise in public liability and employers' liability insurance premiums over the last year on the competitiveness of UK businesses; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: holding answers 25 November 2002
	The ABI has not specifically requested a meeting on this topic.
	Officials have had discussions with the Federation of Small Businesses as well as with the Association of British Insurers and the British Insurance Brokers Association to explore how affordable cover can be provided. The DTI, Treasury and the Department of Work and Pensions are closely monitoring the effect of insurance premium rises on UK firms of all sizes.

Insurance

Debra Shipley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the effect of the events of 11 September 2001, on insurance requirements for small and medium sized architecture businesses.

Nigel Griffiths: A number of businesses—particularly small businesses—are experiencing increases in liability insurance premiums, and in some cases difficulties in obtaining cover. Insurance premiums are rising across the board at present for a variety of reasons, not least the tragic events of September 11 last year, which had a severe effect on the global insurance market.
	The DTI, Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions are closely monitoring the effect on SMEs of insurance premium rises. We are exploring with Association of British Insurers and the British Insurance Brokers Association ways to ensure that affordable cover is available.

Nuclear Industry

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial support has been given to (a) the nuclear generating sector, (b) the nuclear waste sector, (c) nuclear fusion and (d) other parts of the nuclear industry in each year since 1972.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 20 November 2002
	Funding to the UK nuclear industry has been provided primarily in the form of grant and grant-in-aid to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Over the period in question, the funding enabled UKAEA to undertake civil nuclear research programmes and to discharge liabilities arising from past programmes.
	
		£ million 
		
			  Grant and grant-in-aid  
		
		
			 1971–72 43 
			 1972–73 48 
			 1973–74 61 
			 1974–75 62 
			 1975–76 87 
			 1976–77 122 
			 1977–78 118 
			 1978–79 131 
			 1979–80 144 
			 1980–81 158 
			 1981–82 164 
			 1982–83 215 
			 1983–84 204 
			 1984–85 196 
			 1985–86 169 
			 1986–87 163 
			 1987–88 148 
			 1988–89 247 
			 1989–90 196 
		
	
	Funding for UK nuclear fusion research was not shown separately from UKAEA funding prior to 1990:
	
		£ million 
		
			  Grant and grant-in-aid Nuclear fusion Other nuclear 
		
		
			 1990–91 94.3 26.9 — 
			 1991–92 68.7 20.7 — 
			 1992–93 (18)126.2 16.7 — 
			 1993–94 (18)128.7 16.3 — 
			 1994–95 (18)131.3 15.7 — 
			 1995–96(19) 199.3 15.9 — 
			 1996–97 166.5 12.1 — 
			 1997–98 174.5 16.6 8.5 
			 1998–99 285 12.6 5 
			 1999–2000 194.4 14.4 3.3 
			 2000–01 223.4 14.3 3.5 
		
	
	(18) Grant payment.
	(19) Prior to 1995, UKAEA was a trading fund with a negative external financing requirement.
	Note:
	Grant-in-aid to the UKAEA includes provision for its running costs.
	Source:
	Government Expenditure Plan Reports.
	In the nuclear waste sector, costs of Nirex are met by subscriptions from its members (UKAEA, BNFL and British Energy).
	Funding for the nuclear generating sector was provided under the NFFO (Non Fossil Fuels Obligation) and the Non Fossil Fuels Levy (NFFL).
	
		£ million 
		
			  Premium income 
		
		
			 1990–91 1,265 
			 1991–92 798 
			 1992–93 864 
			 1993–94 895 
			 1994–95 892 
			 1995–96 699 
		
	
	At the time BNFL acquired Magnox Electric in 1998, Magnox Electric benefited from the NFFO and NFFL. Any sums received by Magnox Electric under the NFFO and NFFL were received as part of its trading revenues in the ordinary course of business. Magnox Electric applied these sums in the ordinary course of funding its business of the generation and wholesale supply of electricity, and the de-fuelling and decommissioning of closed Magnox nuclear generating stations.
	The NFFL and NFFO also applied in Scotland and had implications for Scottish Nuclear. In 1996, following the flotation of British Energy, the premium payments from SP and SHE under the Nuclear Energy Agreement were ended. The price controls were modified to remove the 'Nuclear Premium'. In 1996–97, the Nuclear Premium for Scotland was £50 million.
	BNFL, as a commercial company, does not receive support from Government. However, the Secretary of State announced last November HMG's intention for a Liabilities Management Authority to be established to take responsibility for those BNFL and UKAEA civil nuclear liabilities and associated assets that are properly the responsibility of the State.
	The Government are providing British Energy with a credit facility of up to £650 million in respect of the period up to 29 November, and has taken security for the loan over the company's assets. The facility has been provided in respect of the company's working capital requirements and cash collateral for trading in the UK and North America.

Nuclear Safety Directorate

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  whether the Nuclear Safety Directorate has formal contingency arrangements in the event that a site operator is declared insolvent or put into administration; and if she will place a copy of these arrangements in the Library;
	(2)  whether the licence agreements that the Nuclear Safety Directorate negotiates with site operators contain provisions to deal with a site operator being declared insolvent or being put into administration; and if she will place a copy of the relevant clauses in the Library.

Brian Wilson: Nuclear site licences contain no provisions regarding the insolvency of a site operator and HSE does not have formal contingency arrangements in the event that a site operator is declared insolvent or put into administration. I understand that HSE is considering how it might increase its surveillance of the safety of nuclear operations and monitor developments on affected sites in such circumstances. My officials are continuing to work closely with the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to ensure the overriding priority of the safe operation of British Energy's nuclear power stations.

Nuclear Safety Directorate

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the licence agreements that the Nuclear Safety Directorate negotiates with site operators contain provisions to deal with the accumulation and storage of nuclear waste material; and whether renegotiation of a licence agreement would be required where a site operator implemented a change of policy on nuclear waste material.

Brian Wilson: A Xlicence agreement" is not a recognised instrument of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (as amended). However, the Act does allow the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to attach conditions to nuclear site licences in the interests of safety or with respect to the handling, treatment and disposal of nuclear material and within the arrangements made by licensees under those conditions the HSE does use formal Xagreements" to effect its permissioning role. Any activity on a licensed site requiring HSE's permission is subject to there being an adequate safety case.
	Any changes, on the part of a licensee, relating to the storage of nuclear waste at the site would be subject to the acceptance of a revised safety case by HSE. Such changes would need to meet Licence Condition 32, which specifically addresses the accumulation of radioactive waste within the standard set of 36 conditions,. In enforcing this and other licence conditions, HSE's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate takes into account Government policy on radioactive waste management, as set out in Cm2919.
	Additionally the licensee's policy on the management of radioactive waste is reviewed through the quinquennial review process, as required by Government policy. Changes in licensee's policy will be identified by this process and assessed by HSE. The results of HSE's assessments and the full set of licence conditions are available on the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/nsd/index.htm.

Offshore Oil and Gas Industry

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made by the offshore oil and gas industry in implementing the requirements of the Working Time Directive for the sector, with particular reference to the issues of (a) holiday pay, (b) annual leave, (c) paid travel time, (d) work cycles, and (e) health and safety for offshore workers.

Alan Johnson: The Horizontal Amending Directive (HAD) (2000/34/EC) entitles workers in the offshore sector to the full provisions of the Working Time Directive (93/104/EC). The HAD was formally adopted on 1 August 2000 and is required to be implemented by 1 August 2003.
	The Government is consulting on its proposals to implement the HAD through amendments to the Working Time Regulations. The consultation which can be found on the DTI website: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/work time regs/handconsulthtm began on 31 October 2002 and will run until 31 January 2003.

Priority Areas

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 20 November, reference 81766, which wards in Sittingbourne and Sheppey have been selected as priority areas.

Stephen Timms: For its investment in broadband provision SEEDA prioritises those parts of the region where provision is relatively poor. In general terms, these are areas, including Kent, in the eastern part of the region and rural areas across the region as a whole. The investment is not prioritised on a ward basis.

Small Firms Loans Guarantee Scheme

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what conclusions she has reached as a result of her review of the small firms loans guarantee scheme; and whether it will be extended to (a) services and (b) those with limited work or credit records.

Nigel Griffiths: I am considering improvements to the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme. A review of this scheme has been completed and an announcement will be made shortly.

Tear Gas Exports

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent export licences have been granted to (a) Paines Wessex and (b) other companies for the export of tear gas to Zimbabwe.

Nigel Griffiths: I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Paul Farrelly) on 14 November 2002. A copy of my letter was placed in the Libraries of the House.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Coffee Imports

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that coffee products sold in the UK are labelled to indicate coffee quality.

Hazel Blears: Specific quality claims are not required for coffee products and there are no plans to make them so. Where voluntary claims are made they must comply with the provisions on misleading or false descriptions or claims set out in the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

"Don't Bring Back More Than You Bargained For" Campaign

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent on the XDon't Bring Back More Than You Bargained For" publicity campaign since 8 July 2001, broken down by country.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 November 2002
	Approximately £421,000 has been spent on the XDon't Bring Back More Than You Bargained For" campaign, launched on 8 July 2002. Some of this money was spent on preparatory work and research prior to the launch.
	The campaign deliberately targeted British travellers and holidaymakers, and was not aimed at specific third countries. Therefore there are no costs broken down by country. Our posts abroad have been helping, for example by displaying some posters and distributing leaflets with visa applications.

20-day Rule

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on the 20-day rule.

Elliot Morley: Industry organisations and individual farmers have made a number of representations about the impact of the 20 day standstill. Ministers and officials regularly meet industry representatives to discuss their views on the current animal movement controls.

Air Pollution

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Government spent in the last year for which figures are available, on monitoring air pollution.

Alun Michael: Spending by Government in 2001–02 was divided between ambient air quality monitoring (£4.79 million) and air quality monitoring in relation to regulated industrial processes in England and Wales undertaken by the Environment Agency (£2.40 million). Around £2.09 million was recovered by the Agency from process operations in 2001–02.

Airport Security

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a) seaports and (b) airports are being targeted by her Department for additional checks on passenger baggage and freight for illegal imports; and what assessment she has made of the work done in the last 12 months.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 November 2002
	Additional checks began at two major seaports at the beginning of October this year, and at a third seaport at the beginning of November. Teams have been recruited and are currently in training at two major airports. They are expected to be operational before the end of November. One of these teams will also operate at other airports around the country.
	Specific details of staff and ports of operation could benefit potential smugglers.
	It is too soon to make an assessment of the impact of these additional checks.

Animal Welfare Bill

Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the organizations which (a) departmental officials and (b) ministers are meeting to discuss details of the proposed Animal Welfare Bill, and what matters will be discussed.

Elliot Morley: The consultation on the proposed Animal Welfare Bill commenced in January 2002. Since that time I have met a wide range of individuals and animal welfare organisations. These meetings are continuing.
	We have also organised a series of stakeholder meetings on the Bill. The following organisations have already attended stakeholder meetings:-
	British Egg Industry
	British Poultry Council Ltd.
	National Pig Association
	Soil Association
	National Farmers Union
	Farmers Union of Wales
	Meat & Livestock Commission
	Royal Agricultural Society of England;
	Country Land & Business Association (CLA) Countryside Alliance
	Compassion In World Farming
	British Association for Shooting and Conservation
	Game Conservancy Trust
	Game Farmers Association
	National Gamekeepers Organisation
	Union of Country Sports Workers
	Association for the Study of Reptilia and Amphibia
	Barnet Association of Responsible Dog Owners
	Pro Dogs
	Cat Association of Britain
	Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
	National Mouse Club
	Rabbit Welfare Association
	British Koi-Keepers' Society
	International Herpetological Society
	British Goat Society
	National Association of Registered Petsitters
	Sustainable Users Network
	Society for the Protection of Aviculture
	Hawk Board
	Heythrop Zoological Gardens Ltd
	Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain
	Rona Brown and Associates
	RSPCA
	Animal Defenders
	Captive Animals1 Protection Society
	Born Free Foundation
	Pet Care Trust
	Cage and Aviary Birds
	Arkgroup
	Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association
	Professional Koi Dealers Association
	Companion Animal Welfare Council
	Farm Animal Welfare Council
	Greyhound Rescue Wales
	National Canine Defence League
	British Greyhound Racing Board
	National Greyhound Racing Club
	Retired Greyhound Trust—Lincoln
	Greyhounds—UK
	British Veterinary Association
	British Small Animal Veterinary Association,
	British Equine Veterinary Association
	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
	British Veterinary & Zoological Society
	Society of British Greyhound Veterinarians
	The following have been invited to future meetings:
	British Horse Society
	International League for the Protection of Horses
	Friends, Families & Travellers Advice & Info Unit
	Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre British Horse Industry Confederation
	The Gypsy Council
	National Equine Welfare Council
	Anti-docking Alliance
	Council of Docked Breeds
	The Kennel Club
	Cat Association of Britain
	Association of Chief Police Officers
	Police Federation of England & Wales
	Mike Radford (UoA)
	LACORS
	Chartered Inst of Environmental Health
	Home Office (SOU & PLPU)
	Lord Chancellors Department
	Trading Standards Institute
	Association of Port Health Authorities
	HM Customs & Excise
	National Animal Sanctuary Alliance
	National Federation of Badger Groups
	Safewings
	British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
	Mayhew Animal Home
	The Monkey Sanctuary
	Federation of Zoos
	National Association of Cats andDogs Homes
	Animal Aid
	Birds First
	League Against Cruel Sports

CAP Subsidies

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations her Department has received concerning the average payment per hectare from the common agricultural policy's production subsidies for (a) organic farmers and (b) non-organic farmers within the UK.

Michael Meacher: We have received no such representations recently.

Cod

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library the figures which demonstrated that landings of cod did not increase in line with landings of nephrops.

Elliot Morley: I have placed in the Library a graph which summarises the data which we submitted to the Commission last year on the relationship (or lack of it) between landings of cod and landings of nephrops.

Community Supported Agriculture

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the benefit of community supported agriculture to local communities.

Elliot Morley: In response to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food's report, a local food working group, made up of officials from the Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency, the Countryside Agency, the Regional Development Agencies and Defra has been set up. This group is considering the evidence relating to the impacts of local food initiatives, including community supported agriculture, and the wider issues relating to local food so that Government policy in this area can be developed as appropriate. The working group expect to report their findings in spring 2003.

Dairy Farmers (Lancashire)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the financial impact of the 20 day movement standstill on Lancashire dairy farmers.

Elliot Morley: We have commissioned independent researchers to carry out a detailed cost-benefit analysis into the 20 day standstill in order to gain a better understanding of the economic impact of the current rules. We expect the researchers to examine the impact of the rules both on the livestock industry in aggregate and on individual sectors and sub-groups, including those facing special difficulty. This may include regional impacts, but will not necessarily be broken down by county.

Dairy Farmers (Lancashire)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the size was of the average dairy herd in Lancashire in each of the last five years.

Elliot Morley: Number of holdings, number of cows in dairy herd and average number of these dairy cattle on holdings in Lancashire 1997–2001.
	
		
			 Year Holdings Cattle Average 
		
		
			 1997 1,386 89,687 64.7 
			 1998 1,358 88,571 65.2 
			 1999 1,292 89,015 68.9 
			 2000 1,186 84,600 71.3 
			 2001 1,116 85,092 76.3 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Years 2000 and 2001 refer to main and minor holdings. 1997–99 refer to main holdings only.
	2. A dairy cow is defined as a cow or heifer in the dairy herd that has calved.
	Source:
	June Agriculture and Horticultural Census

Dangerous Wild Animal Licences

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  when the Government intends to publish the results of its review of Dangerous Wild Animal Licences;
	(2)  if she will make it her policy not to require a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence to be held for wild ruminants kept for agricultural purposes.

Margaret Beckett: We expect to publish proposals early in the New Year on making the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 more effective. These proposals will draw on the findings and recommendations of independent consultants who were commissioned to examine the Act's effectiveness, and the views of the public who were invited to comment on the consultant's report.
	The results of the New Year public consultation exercise will help us to decide which animals should be subject to control.

Departmental Responsibilities

Gerry Steinberg: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many employees work on matters formerly within the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Alun Michael: There are approximately 5,170 employees (excluding casuals) that work in policy areas formerly within the responsibility of MAFF. This figure excludes staff that work in central service areas that support the entire Department.
	In addition, there are approximately 5,760 employees in the Department's executive agencies which were sponsored by the former MAFF.

Diet and Lifestyle

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent efforts have been made to educate the public about promoting (a) a balanced diet and (b) a healthy lifestyle.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	The Food Standards Agency is engaged in a wide range of activities to promote the uptake of a healthy, balanced diet. Details of these are available from the agency's nutrition action plan on the agency's website (www.food.gov.uk). This encompasses work in schools, information and advice to consumers, including through the agency website and funding research and surveys on barriers to uptake of a balanced diet and how these can be overcome.
	The Department's initiatives, as highlighted in the XNHS Plan" (2000), address both access and information. Actions on the latter include generating awareness on breastfeeding, a Five a Day programme to promote fruit and vegetable consumption, support for healthy weight maintenance and initiatives in schools and elsewhere to promote a balanced diet and physical activity.

Farm Animals (Health)

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what recent representations her Department has received concerning (a) the health of farm animals in the United Kingdom and (b) the need for revised regulations governing the health of farm animals in the United Kingdom;
	(2)  what plans she has to revise regulations governing the health of farm animals in the United Kingdom.

Elliot Morley: The two FMD inquiries commissioned by the Government made a number of recommendations relevant to the health of farm animals and regulation in this area, and the Government's response to the inquiries was published on 6 November 2002.
	The suggestion that there might be a general review of animal health legislation is being taken forward by the Department in partnership with the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government in the development of a comprehensive animal health and welfare strategy for Great Britain in consultation with stakeholders. The scope and nature of future legislation will be addressed next year following the publication of the strategy.

Farmers' Markets

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of (a) benefits to local farming communities of farmers markets and (b) the impact that farmers markets have on retailers.

Elliot Morley: The most recent assessment of farmers' markets in England and Wales was a business survey carried out by the NFU in July 2002. This reported that the 450 regular farmers' markets currently operating have an annual turnover of approximately £166.3 million with the average earnings of each stallholder being around £8,700. With average farm incomes for 2001 of £7,861, the economic benefits for local farmers participating in farmers' markets are clear.
	The business survey did not specifically consider the impact of farmers' markets on retailers but it did report that 80 per cent. of locations had seen increases in trade for neighbouring businesses. This supports the findings of an earlier study carried out on behalf of the Countryside Agency in 2001 on farmers' markets in the South East. This reported that in the opinion of those market organisers and town centre managers that responded most considered that local shops had benefited.

Flood Defence (Shrewsbury)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the reasons underlying her assessment of the likelihood of a further flood defence scheme in Shrewsbury.

Elliot Morley: Both DEFRA and the Environment Agency have a responsibility to all taxpayers to ensure that value for money is obtained for investment in flood alleviation schemes. My understanding that there is little likelihood that a further flood alleviation scheme could be justified in Shrewsbury is based on the Agency's judgement that the costs of providing such schemes would outweigh the benefits, using the currently agreed methodology. However this methodology is subject to review next year and the Agency will consider any impact on the viability of defence measures for parts of Shrewsbury.

Food Imports

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her estimate is of the value of (a) all foodstuffs and (b) temperate foodstuffs (i) exported from and (ii) imported into the United Kingdom.

Margaret Beckett: The following table shows the value of UK trade in indigenous and non-indigenous food, feed and drink between 1992–2001. Exports of non-indigenous foods are mainly exports of processed foods manufactured from imported non-indigenous ingredients.
	
		£ million 
		
			  Exports  Imports  
			 Year Indigenous Non-indigenous Total exports Indigenous Non-indigenous Total imports 
		
		
			 1992 6,322 1,055 7,378 7,705 5,603 13,308 
			 1993 6,913 1,254 8,167 7,836 5,917 13,754 
			 1994 7,620 1,443 9,063 8,222 6,620 14,842 
			 1995 8,473 1,598 10,071 9,130 7,227 16,357 
			 1996 8,378 1,669 10,046 9,921 7,848 17,769 
			 1997 8,233 1,740 9,973 9,574 7,680 17,255 
			 1998 7,511 1,691 9,202 9,732 7,322 17,055 
			 1999 7,276 1,604 8,880 9,923 7,291 17,214 
			 2000 7,216 1,486 8,702 10,088 6,740 16,828 
			 2001 6,943 1,494 8,438 10,952 7,030 17,983 
		
	
	Note:
	The above data include an estimate of below threshold data, but exclude an estimate for non-response
	Source:
	H M Customs and Excise
	Data prepared by Statistics (Commodities & Food) Accounts and Trade, ESD, DEFRA

Foot and Mouth

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on plans to review her policy on compensation and slaughter premium payouts during the foot and mouth outbreak.

Elliot Morley: The Department has reviewed the position and has recently written to those who inquired about compensation and slaughter premium, to confirm that the subsidy itself is not payable in respect of animals culled due to foot and mouth disease because the scheme criteria were not met, and that no adjustment is needed to compensation which was based on market value.

Foxes

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has of the fox population in urban areas in England.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 20 November 2002
	The Department does not routinely collate data on the levels of urban fox populations, but commissions research into the subject from time to time. A report issued in 1997 estimated the UK urban fox population at 33,000.

Illegal Imports

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations on and discussions she has had with television companies and airline companies about showing her Department's information videos on illegal imports.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 November 2002
	The Central Office of Information (CoI) is responsible for arranging for the distribution of the information videos on behalf of Defra.
	CoI have in the past few weeks, telephoned all major UK broadcast media and major airlines operating out of the UK, and sent copies of the information videos to them. Discussions are on-going with the broadcasters and airlines. We will get reports on usage on a quarterly basis.
	The videos have been produced as Xfillers" which are used when broadcasters do not have enough paid advertising. They are shown on a goodwill basis. Airlines usually prepare their in-flight programming up to three months in advance.

Illegal Imports

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what extended powers have been granted to enforcement authorities to search and seize illegal imports of animal products in commercial consignments and personal baggage; and when those powers were granted.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 21 November 2002
	Enforcement officers were granted extended powers under Regulation 8 of the Products of Animal Origin (Third Country lmports)(England) Regulations 2002, which came into force on 22 May. Enforcement officers were given the power to:
	enter any border inspection post or premises (except houses) to inspect anything.
	open any bundle, package, packing case or item of luggage.
	inspect any product or equipment.
	take samples.

Ivory

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's policy is on the CITES agreement reached in November on the sale of stocks of ivory.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 19 November 2002
	The agreement provides South Africa, Botswana and Namibia with the prospect of a one-off sale of legal stocks of raw ivory after May 2004 provided that a number of strict conditions have first been met. These include verification of trading partners by the CITES Secretariat (to prevent illegal ivory entering legal markets), a requirement that baseline data on population and poaching levels is available from the MIKE system (Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants) and any funds raised must be used for elephant conservation. If any of the conditions are not met, the sale will not take place.
	The Government believe that the agreement strikes the right balance between meeting the legitimate expectations of the southern African states that they should be able to engage in sustainable utilisation of their natural resources, whilst establishing strict controls to secure the conservation of wider elephant populations.

Mapping

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the accuracy of (a) digital mapping and (b) Ordnance Survey maps.

Alun Michael: Digital mapping is an electronic version of Ordnance Survey (OS) large scale maps. These maps are produced to a very high standard.
	The accuracy of digital mapping, as in the case of paper maps, depends on the scale and the quality of the original survey and the methods employed.
	Statistical information about the accuracy of Ordnance Survey mapping is published on the Ordnance Survey website at www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk.

Meat Inspection

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what consultations she had with meat producers in the North of Scotland prior to the authorising of meat inspection contracts;
	(2)  what criteria were used to decide to award a contract for meat inspection in Northern Scotland to a company based in York;
	(3)  what assessment she has made of the impact on veterinary practices in Northern Scotland of the decision to award the contract for meat inspection in Northern Scotland to a company based in York;
	(4)  what consultations she undertook with the Scottish Executive prior to the award of the contract for meat inspection services in Scotland.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	Meat inspection in Scotland is a devolved matter and Ministerial responsibility rests with Scottish Ministers.

Ministerial Visits

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many times she has visited east Lancashire in her official capacity; and what the purpose was of each visit.

Alun Michael: The Secretary of State was in Lancashire on 20 September 2002 this year to officially open the Millennium Ribble Link on behalf of British Waterways.

Mobile Slaughtermen

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licensed mobile slaughtermen operate in England and Wales.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	I am advised on food safety issues by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
	The licensing of slaughtermen in Great Britain is carried out by the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), an Executive Agency of the Food Standards Agency, who took over this task from some 300 local authorities on its establishment in 1995.
	No separate licence is issued for mobile slaughtermen.
	As at 19 November 2002, there are 7,014 valid slaughtermens' licences in Great Britain.

Oil Seed Rape

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many acres of oil seed rape were grown in England and Wales in 2002.

Elliot Morley: Defra is able to provide data for England only. Figures for Wales are a matter for the devolved authority. In England 404 thousand hectares (997 thousand acres) of oil seed rape were grown for harvest in 2002. This includes 79 thousand hectares (195 thousand acres) grown for industrial use on set-aside land.
	Source:
	June Agricultural and Horticultural Census.

Parrett Catchment Project

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the salary is of the chairman of the Parrett Catchment Project for 2000–01 and 2001–02; and whether his salary has been agreed for 2003.

Elliot Morley: The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body. I am advised that no salary is paid by the project to the chairman. He is currently entitled to a fee of £150 per day for his work on the project.
	He received no fees or expenses at all from the project up to June 2001. From June 2001 to the end of June 2002, he was paid £3,000 in fees, a £1,000 honorarium for extra-contractual work on the successful Intereg 3 bid for EU funds, and £724 in expenses. He has received no payments for fees or expenses since 1 July 2002.

Pet Travel Scheme

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many pet owners used the pet travel scheme in the past 12 months.

Elliot Morley: Figures are not kept on the number of owners using the scheme. Between 1 October 2001 and 30 September 2002, the most recent 12 months for which figures are available, 38,603 dogs and cats entered England under the pet travel scheme.

Prestige Sinking

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what early assessment she has made of the long-term environmental impact of the sinking of the Prestige off the Spanish Atlantic coast.

Elliot Morley: It is too early to assess the long term impacts of this oil pollution. Much will depend on the fate of the oil still in the holds of the wreck, and wind and sea conditions in the area. The primary responsibility for assessing the impact will rest with the Spanish authorities. Defra's Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science has contacted the scientists working on impactassessment and has offered any technical assistance they may find helpful Our current assessment is that it is extremely unlikely any oil from the Prestigewill reach the British coast.

Public Bodies

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who is serving on the (a) Advisory Committee on New Foods and Processes, (b) Agricultural Dwelling House Advisory Committee, (c) Apple and Pear Research Council, (d) British Potato Council, (e) Consultatative Panel on Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis, (f) Environment Agency Board, (g) Farm Animal Welfare Council, (h) Food Advisory Committee, (i) Food from Britain, (j) Harbour Commission, (k) Home Grown Cereals Authority, (l) Horticulture Research International, (m) Meat and Livestock Commission, (n) Plant Varieties and Seeds Tribunal, (o) Regional Floods Defence Committee and (p) Sea Fisheries Committee; and what remuneration they receive.

Alun Michael: Information on (a) The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and (h) the Food Advisory Committee is available from the Food Standards Agency, who report to Parliament through Health Ministers.
	Responsibility for appointments to Harbour Commissions was transferred to the Department for Transport in October 2001.
	The information requested on the remaining bodies has been placed in the Library of the House.

Rural White Paper

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the second progress report on the Rural White Paper.

Alun Michael: We now publish a quarterly update on implementation of the Rural White Paper. The most recent update reported progress up to 31 August 2002. The next update will report progress as of 31 December 2002 and will be published in January.
	The Rural White Paper Implementation plan is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ruralwp/rwpttable/

Science and Regulatory Agencies

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place copies of the reviews of her Department's science and regulatory agencies in the Library of the House; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: We plan to announce the outcome of the Agency Review before the Christmas recess when copies of the report will be placed in the Library of the House.

Seals

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what plans she has to improve reporting and monitoring practices in respect of seals;
	(2)  how many seals have been killed (a) deliberately and (b) accidentally by humans in each year since 1972; and of those killed deliberately, how many were despatched pursuant to section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970;
	(3)  if she will make a statement on the discharge of her responsibilities in relation to seals under (a) the EU Habitats Directive, (b) Article 8 of the Berne Convention and (c) the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;
	(4)  what steps she is taking to encourage (a) fishermen and (b) fish farmers to adopt the use of non-lethal means of seal deterrence;
	(5)  what plans she has to review section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 20 November 2002
	The Department has no current plans to amend the reporting practices in respect of seals. The status of seal populations in the UK is reported annually by the National Environment Research Council (NERC) based on data produced by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), University of St. Andrews. The activities of SMRU include seeking improvements in the methods used to collect information about seals.
	The Department does not keep a record of the total number of seals killed deliberately or accidentally by humans each year.
	Article 3 of the EU Habitats Directive requires the UK to identify and select special areas of conservation (SAC) for common seals and grey seals that will make a significant contribution to conserving these species in their natural range. Regulations prohibit certain indiscriminate methods of killing seals, including the use of devices capable of killing or stunning, explosives, crossbows, semi-automatic or automatic weapons with a magazine capable of holding more than two rounds of ammunition.
	The obligations of Article 8 of the Bern Convention are implemented by the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and the Conservation of Seals (England) Order 1999.
	Under the Wildife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to use a snare to trap any mammal, including seals.
	The Department has no plans at present to influence what methods fishermen or fish farmers should use when deterring seals from their nets.
	There are currently no plans to review section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.

Second-hand Machinery

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will make it her policy to allow second-hand machinery to be bought with processing and marketing grants;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the impact on the competitiveness within the EU of British farmers, of the policy of not allowing processing and marketing grants to be used for the purchase of second-hand machinery.

Margaret Beckett: EU Commission Regulation 445/2002, in the detailed rules on processing and marketing grants, restricts expenditure eligible for aid to new machinery and equipment.

Slaughter Premium Scheme Payments

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the Scottish Executive during her review of slaughter premium and compensation.

Elliot Morley: DEFRA officials have been in regular touch with colleagues in the Scottish Executive about FMD compensation, including the treatment of slaughter premium.

South-East Asia (Exports)

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from British companies seeking to assist South East Asia countries export farm produce to the UK.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 25 November 2002
	None. The Government are keen to promote exports of agriculture and food products from the United Kingdom. Promotion of exports to the United Kingdom is a matter for the authorities of the country or countries concerned.

Sustainable Farming and Food Group

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Sustainable Farming and Food Group last met; and if she will lay a copy of the minutes of that meeting in the Library.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 20 November 2002
	The Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, Chaired by Sir Donald Curry, published its report XFarming and Food—a sustainable future" on 29 January. The Commission last met on 22 January, when it agreed the final text of its report and details of its publication launch.
	The formation of an Implementation Group, chaired by Sir Donald Curry, was announced on 25 October. The group will oversee the delivery of the Governments' Strategy on Farming and Food. The Implementation Group will work with the farming and food industries and Government to drive forward those changes.
	The group had its first meeting on 28 October at which it discussed a draft of the Governments' forthcoming Farming and Food Strategy, and agreed timings of future meetings and work plans. The group also agreed to establish a website. Summaries of the outcome of meetings will be posted on this once it is established.

Water Buffalo

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which abattoirs in the United Kingdom are licensed to kill water buffalo.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	Any abattoir licensed under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (as amended) to slaughter bovine animals may slaughter water buffalo, provided it has the capability to handle these animals.
	The list of abattoirs licensed to slaughter bovine animals has been placed in the Library. Those known to slaughter water buffalo are shown in bold type.

Wild Mammals (Urban Areas)

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations and discussions she has had regarding the protection of wild mammals in urban areas.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The Department has not received representations about the general protection of wild urban animals, including urban species, which occur in urban areas on a regular basis. However, we have recently received a number of representations about a licence granted under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 for the purpose of preventing damage to property in East Sussex.
	Species are protected by a number of pieces of legislation. The Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996 protects all mammals from indiscriminate methods of killing or taking. In addition certain species, including all birds, are protected from intentional killing by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Badgers, which can occur in urban and suburban areas, are protected by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

Wild Mammals (Urban Areas)

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the number of wild mammals in urban areas by species.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 25 November 2002
	At present there is no comprehensive, standardised national monitoring of British mammals that embraces the full range of important species. However, this is being addressed by a GB-wide research contract, XDesign and pilot a multi-species terrestrial mammal monitoring project". The overall aim will be to design and pilot, using a volunteer network, a winter monitoring project involving both visual recording of mammals and recording their signs. It is intended to form a building block for an integrated mammal-monitoring system.
	In addition Defra has sponsored research into fox populations (report issued in 1997), which estimated the UK urban fox population at 33,000 and an assessment of the level of mice and rats in domestic properties. The results from the last survey, undertaken in 1996, showed that 1.8 per cent. of properties had house mice; 1.7 per cent. of properties had rats outside; 0.4 per cent. of properties had rats inside.
	The latest survey was conducted in 2001 and the data from this will be examined shortly. However, due to the vast amount of data collected results are not anticipated until late 2003.
	In addition to research carried out by Government, the Mammal Society also runs national surveys looking at the population and distribution of mammal species through the UK and is currently running a XMammals in Your Garden?" Survey. This survey is looking at the number and variety of mammals seen in gardens. This survey will be annual and will give information about urban mammal populations; the results from the first year should be available early next year.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Asylum Seekers

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers purportedly from Afghanistan and granted permanent settlement in the last 12 months have subsequently been found to have originated in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement]

Beverley Hughes: I regret that information is not available on the number of asylum applicants claiming to be from Afghanistan who have been granted asylum (and therefore settlement), and are subsequently found to have originated from Pakistan. The information could only be obtained by examination of individual case files, which would incur disproportionate cost.
	Asylum applicants are subject to screening processes designed to test the accuracy of the information that they supply as the basis of their claim, including their origin.
	Where a person has obtained leave to enter by deception, they are an illegal entrant and liable to removal under the powers contained in the 1971 Immigration Act. Where someone has obtained leave to remain by deception, they are liable to removal under section 10 (1) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his policy to remove Afghan asylum seekers who have failed to gain asylum.

Beverley Hughes: Under the Tripartite Agreement on voluntary return to Afghanistan signed by the Government, the Transitional State of Afghanistan and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on 12 October 2002, it was agreed that those found not to be in need of international protection, following proper consideration of their asylum claim would be offered a two month window to choose voluntarily to return to Afghanistan.If they choose not to return voluntarily they will be subject to removal to Afghanistan at a later date.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications are awaiting an initial decision after more than (a) six and (b) 12 months at the latest date for which figures are available.

Beverley Hughes: As at the end of June 2002 the number of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision for more than six months is estimated to be 19,600, of which 15,800 cases were outstanding after more than 12 months. This includes cases that are currently under consideration and compares with 34,000 and 20,400 such applications as at the end of June 2001.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers whose cases are outstanding or whose appeals have failed, and who are in detention or prison, are pregnant women.

Beverley Hughes: Pregnant women are not normally detained under the Immigration Acts unless there is a clear prospect of early removal from the United Kingdom and medical advice suggests no question of confinement prior to this. In addition, women in the early stages of pregnancy may be detained briefly at Oakington Reception Centre as part of the fast-track asylum process.
	The latest available information on persons detained solely under Immigration Act powers relates to 29 June 2002. As at that date, there were less than five women in detention who were known to be pregnant, all of whom were asylum seekers at Oakington Reception Centre.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers whose cases are outstanding are (a) detained and (b) detained in prison; and what proportion of each category has been charged with or convicted of a crime.

Beverley Hughes: The latest available information on the number of people detained solely under Immigration Act powers is for 29 June 2002 and is contained in the table.
	
		
			  Number as at 29 June 2002(20) 
		
		
			 Asylum seekers(21) detained 1,440 
			 Of whom, detained in prison establishments 105 
		
	
	(20) Figures are rounded to nearest 5.
	(21) Persons recorded as having sought asylum at some stage.
	I regret that information on those detained under Immigration Act powers that have been charged with or convicted of a crime is not available. Information on whether a case is outstanding would be available only by examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost.
	The next quarterly information on detainees will be published in XAsylum Statistics: 3rd quarter 2002" on 29 November 2002 on the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html

Car Parking

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many car parking spaces are available to (a) employees of his Department and (b) visitors to his Department within the proposed Central London Road User Charging Zone.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 19 November 2002
	Within the proposed central London charging zone there are:
	97 car parking spaces available to employees of the Department, and
	33 car parking spaces available to visitors to the Department.
	A further 124 spaces are available for use by either staff or visitors as required.

CBRN Incidents

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) police officers and (b) firefighters have been trained in dealing with a CBRN incident in each local authority.

David Blunkett: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The ability of police forces to respond to a terrorist attack involving the use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials is being strengthened through the increased provision of specialist police training. Home Office funding is being made available to meet the full running and equipment costs involved. Information about specific numbers of trained police officers in each local authority area is not at present held centrally, but in each police force, four senior officers have so far received training to Gold and Silver Command level. The total number of CBRN trained officers in London to date is approximately 1,100, with approximately 1,250 further officers CBRN trained in police forces in the United Kingdom. The training programme is on-going and I will update these figures on a regular basis.
	I understand from my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister that individual records for firefighters training are not available centrally. Interim guidance on dealing with contaminated casualties following a CBRN attack was issued in December 2001. The majority of Fire Service personnel will have received training in these interim procedures, and approximately 120 of the Services' senior commanders have received multi-agency training, which is on-going.
	All sides in the current firefighters dispute have agreed to provide cover for large scale terrorists or other civil contingency incidents.

Drug Offenders

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time residential treatment places are available for drug offenders; and how many were available in each of the last three years.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	Residential places within the drug and alcohol sector are not set aside for specific groups of drug misusers such as offenders. However, they will have access on the same terms as anyone else with a drug misuse problem to the approximate 3,100 residential places that were available in 2001. We do not hold central figures for the previous two years.

European Arrest Warrant

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the European Arrest Warrant.

Bob Ainsworth: A draft Extradition Bill, containing provisions to give effect to the Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant, was contained in a consultation paper published on 27 June. Copies of the responses that were received have been placed in the Library and on the Home Office website.
	The Joint Committee on Human Rights produced a report on the draft Bill (Twentieth Report of Session 2001–02, HC 1140) and a number of members of the public have written about the European arrest warrant.
	The Extradition Bill was introduced on 14 November 2002.

Illegal Immigration (East Sussex)

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many illegal immigrants have been apprehended in East Sussex in the last 12 months.

Beverley Hughes: I am sorry but this information is not readily available and could only be obtained by examination of individual records at disproportionate cost.

Illegal Immigration (Northern Ireland)

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department is taking to deal with illegal immigrants to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 25 November 2002
	A common travel area exists between the UK and the Republic of Ireland which, in general, allows free movement between the two countries. There is legislation which imposes conditions of stay on certain categories entering the UK from the Republic of Ireland, but no passport control at the border to.physically prevent the entry of any who might be inadmissible.
	There are measures to deal with those who do enter orremain unlawfully. As with the rest of the UK, the UK Immigration Service (UKIS), takes enforcement action to remove persons who are in Northern Ireland unlawfully. The Belfast UKIS office regularly receives intelligence from various sources indicating the whereabouts of potential offenders, and after evaluation, such intelligence is often acted upon. In the past 12 months, UKIS staff have removed a total of 94 persons who were in the province unlawfully. (Some of these were illegal workers, others had overstayed their permission to remain). No detailed statistics exist revealing how many of these entered via the Irish Republic but it is known that a significant number did.
	In addition UKIS staff routinely liase with the Irish authorities over these and other immigration problems. The Irish authorities do regularly refuse entry to foreign nationals arriving at their ports in transit to Northern Ireland (or the rest of the UK) who are not acceptable here. As an example in the past year they have refused entry to a number of Lithuanians at Dublin Airport who would otherwise have come to Northern
	Ireland to work illegally.
	I am aware of a recent BBC documentary highlighting cases of illegal workers in Northern Ireland who have entered via Dublin Airport. UKIS officials are in discussion with the Irish authorities to identify ways of ensuring that fewer offenders gain entry to the UK via Dublin Airport.
	UKIS staff also liase closely with the Police Service for Northern Ireland with a view to apprehending offenders, disrupting and prosecuting those who facilitate the entry of immigration offenders.
	An investigation involving the IS National Criminal Intelligent Service (NCIS) and police officers from two constabularies led last December to the closure of the ABT college in Bristol. This week the individual behind the fraud was sentenced to three and a half year's imprisonment. The investigation provides a good example of the government's determination to stamp out such activity.
	Entry Clearance Officers overseas and immigration officers at UK ports ensure that those seeking entry as students meet the relevant criteria as set out in the Immigration Rules (HC 395). During 2001 some 150,600 applications were received at UK missions for student visas. Of these, some38,400 were refused. In addition, 1,945 individuals were refused entry at UK ports having unsuccessfully sought entry as students.

Illegal Immigration (Northern Ireland)

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an inquiry into the trafficking of illegal immigrants into Northern Ireland for the purpose of slave labour.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The Government have set out its strategy for tackling organised immigration crime: trafficking and smuggling in the White Paper XSecure Borders, Safe Haven", published in February. New criminal offences and penalties for trafficking and smuggling were introduced by the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act, carrying heavy terms of 14 years imprisonment.
	We have established Reflex as a multi-agency response to organised immigration crime into the UK, including Northern Ireland. Reflex is led by the National Crime Squad and engages all the key agencies involved in combating organised immigration crime, including police, immigration services, security and intelligence agencies and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), in building up intelligence and planning operations against the traffickers. Reflex feeds into the Organised Crime Strategy Group, chaired by the Home Office, on which Northern Ireland Office officials sit, and in turn into the Northern Ireland Organised Crime Task Force, established by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which co-ordinates multi-agency activity against organised crime in Northern Ireland.
	The scale of illegal immigration into Northern Ireland does not appear to reflect national trends. While the number of applications for asylum have increased significantly in recent years, they are very small in comparison with the rest of the UK. However, a strategic project to examine organised immigration crime in Northern Ireland is currently being undertaken by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in co-operation with a number of other Government and law enforcement agencies through the offices of the Organised Crime Task Force. This aims to provide a baseline understanding of the scale and potential growth of the problem.

Illegal Immigration (Northern Ireland)

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many illegal immigrants have been intercepted on entering Northern Ireland since 2000; and what action he proposes to take to deal with illegal immigration.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 25 November 2002
	A common travel area exists between the UK and the Republic of Ireland which, in general, allows free movement between the two countries. There is legislation which imposes conditions of stay on certain categories entering the UK from the Republic of Ireland, but no passport control at the border to physically prevent the entry of any who might be inadmissible. Accordingly it is not surprising that no illegal immigrants have been intercepted on entering Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland since 2000.
	There are however measures to deal with those who have entered or remained unlawfully. As with the rest of the UK, the UK Immigration Service (UKIS), takes enforcement action to remove persons who are in Northern Ireland unlawfully. The Belfast UKIS office regularly receives intelligence from various sources indicating the whereabouts of potential offenders, and after evaluation, such intelligence is often acted upon.
	In the past 12 months, UKIS staff have removed a total of 94 persons who were in the province unlawfully. (Some of these were illegal workers, others had overstayed their permission to remain). No detailed statistics exist revealing how many of these entered via the Irish Republic but it is known that a significant number did.
	In addition UKIS staff routinely liaise with the Irish authorities over these and other immigration problems. The Irish authorities do regularly refuse entry to foreign nationals arriving at their ports in transit to Northern Ireland (or the rest of the UK) who are not acceptable here. As an example in the past year they have refused entry to a number of Lithuanians at Dublin airport who would otherwise have come to Northern Ireland to work illegally.
	I am aware of a recent BBC documentary highlighting cases of illegal workers in Northern Ireland who have entered via Dublin airport. UKIS officials are in discussion with the Irish authorities to identify ways of ensuring that fewer offenders gain entry to the UK via Dublin airport.
	UKIS staff also liaise closely with the Police Service for Northern Ireland with a view to apprehending offenders, disrupting and prosecuting those who facilitate the entry of immigration offenders.

Immigrants (Health Checks)

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the use of health checks at ports of entry to identify those seeking leave of entry who are suffering from infectious diseases.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 25 November 2002
	Under the Immigration Act 1971, immigration officers are able to refer persons seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom (UK) to Medical Inspectors at ports of entry.
	The immigration rules state that immigration officers should refer anyone who mentions health or medical treatment as a reason for coming to the UK, or who appears not to be in good physical or mental health.
	In addition, those seeking leave to enter the UK for a period of more than six months should normally be referred. Immigration Officers also have discretion to make referrals in any other cases.
	This action at ports of entry is complemented by work done by the national health service (NHS) at local level. The NHS follow up any cases of infection that are identified by the Medical Inspector and arrange any necessary testing which is unavailable at the port.
	It is also intended that asylum induction centres will provide basic health screening. To evaluate the specification and benefits of this service, a pilot commenced at Dover Induction Centre during the summer of 2002. The results of the pilot have yet to be evaluated.

Immigration (Shoreham Harbour)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which ships entering Shoreham Harbour in each of the last two years had immigration crew lists which were submitted by Shoreham Port Authority acting as agents.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 25 November 2002
	We do not collect the information requested.
	Crew lists for commercial vessels using Shoreham are submitted to the UK Immigration Service at Newhaven by the United Kingdom based shipping agents. Shoreham receives no passenger services, but between 10 to 15 commercial vessels arrive each week originating in the United Kingdom, Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. Crew lists for vessels using Shoreham and Newhaven are retained alphabetically by name of vessel for those ships starting their journey in Europe.

Language Schools

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the level of student visa fraud;
	(2)  what checks there are in place to prevent the facilitation of illegal immigrants by language schools;
	(3)  what action is taken against language schools found to be issuing certificates of enrolment in exchange for cash payments.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The Immigration Service (IS) is developing an intelligence-led strategy to deal with abuse of the United Kingdom's immigration laws. Where such intelligence suggests that immigration offences are being committed by any college or language school, the IS will pursue, with other agencies as appropriate.

Language Schools

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is provided, and how long members of the emergency services will be trained to operate under full NBC protection.

David Blunkett: All three emergency services have officers equipped and trained in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) suits. These suits allow them to attend an incident where there has been a release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) material, and to proceed to carry out their jobs without becoming contaminated themselves.
	Since their roles at a CBRN incident vary, the emergency services carry different specifications of PPE suits. The Fire Service, who work in the area of highest contamination, carry the highest grade of PPE suits, which include breathing apparatus. The precise length of time during which the emergency services can operate in a CBRN contaminated environment depends on the nature, volume and method of dispersal of the contaminant, as well as the location of the incident and other environmental factors.
	All three services are continuing to increase their numbers of CBRN trained and equipped officers. The Government do not reveal precise details of our response capabilities for reasons of security.
	All sides in the current firefighters dispute have agreed to provide cover for any large-scale terrorist or other civil contingency incidents.

Marie Star Cafe

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigations have been conducted by the Home Office regarding the issuing of work permits, before 1 September, to workers at the Marie Star Cafe, Belfast; whether the Department of Employment and Learning followed Home Office practice with respect to work permits issued to workers at the Marie Star Cafe before 1 September; and whether the application for work permits specify that they would be lap-dancers and pole-dancers at the Marie Star Cafe, Belfast.

Beverley Hughes: Before 1 September 2002, the Department of Employment and Learning held responsibility for the issuing of work permits for Northern Ireland. Therefore, the Home Office did not carry out any investigations regarding work permits in Northern Ireland relating to permits issued before that date.
	I understand from the Department of Employment and Learning that they followed the same work permit criteria as that used by Work Permits (UK) in the Home Office.
	The applications from the Marie Star Café specified the job title as XProfessional Stage and Pole Dancers".

Marie Star Cafe

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the paperwork relating to the issuing of and re-applications for work permits for workers at the Marie Star Cafe has been passed from the Department of Employment and Learning to the Home Office.

Beverley Hughes: Yes. Northern Ireland's Department of Employment and Learning transferred all available paperwork relating to work permit applications made in Northern Ireland to Work Permits UK in early September 2002. However, the work permits for the Marie Star Cafe had by that time already been issued by the Department of Employment and Learning.

National Asylum Support Service (Liverpool)

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many private landlord properties in (a) Leeds and (b) Leeds West are used by NASS; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The information requested is as follows:
	Leeds: 501
	Leeds West: 20.

Prison Visitors (Drug Smuggling)

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on progress in the initiative to ban visitors found smuggling drugs into prisons; and how many visitors were banned during the last six months;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effect of introducing CCTV in visits areas on the amounts of drugs smuggled into prisons;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the effect on drug availability in prisons of passive and active drug dogs;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the effect of the low furniture initiative in prison visits areas on the amount of drugs being smuggled into prisons.

Hilary Benn: The Prison Service is taking a number of steps to stifle the availability of drugs in prisons. These measures, which include mandatory drug testing, operate alongside a comprehensive treatment framework and the provision of voluntary drug testing. The overall impact on drug use is demonstrated by the reduction in the positive rate of random mandatory drug tests from 24.4 per cent. (1996–97) to 11.3 per cent. (year to date). The complementary nature of some supply reduction measures, e.g. drug detection dogs, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and low furniture in visits areas, and the complex nature of drug supply make it difficult to determine the impact of any single factor in reducing the availability or use of drugs.
	Prisons continue to use the visit bans initiative to take firm action against visitors suspected of smuggling drugs. In 2001–02 (the latest period for which figures are available) a total of 2,815 visitors received a ban.

Prisoner Data

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to collect centrally information on where prisoners served previous sentences.

Hilary Benn: Prisoner records are held locally at each establishment and, since 1988, this information has been held on the computerised 'Inmate Information System' (US) which provides a central view of prisoners held in England and Wales. Although some pre-1988 records have been placed on the US, 'historical' information remains largely paper-based but is still accessible if required, subject to the normal disposal regime for obsolete files.
	Programmes are being developed to extend centralised, electronic record keeping in the Prison Service and other parts of the Criminal Justice System.

Probation Service (Surrey)

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the level of Government grants to the Surrey Probation Service was in each of the last five years.

Hilary Benn: Home Office Grant to Surrey Probation Service (Surrey local area from April 2001) for the financial years 1997–98 to 2001–02 is in the following table.
	
		£ 
		
			  Home Office grant Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Total grant  
		
		
			 Revenue grant
			 2001–02(22) 6,533,000 Nil 6,533,000 
			 2000–01(23) 5,065,608 1,256,402 6,322,010 
			 1999–2000(23) 4,735,765 1,183,941 5,919,706 
			 1998–99(23) 4,605,734 1,151,433 5,757,167 
			 1997–98(23) 4,673,058 1,168,264 5,841,322 
			 
			 Capital grant
			 2001–02(22) 374,293 Nil 374,293 
			 2000–01(23) 43,307 10,827 54,134 
			 1999–2000(23) 37,482 9,370 46,852 
			 1998–99(23) 85,009 21,252 106,261 
			 1997–98(23) 34,882 8,720 43,602 
		
	
	(22) he National Probation Service was established on 1 April 2001 and 100 per cent. grant funding was provided by the Home Office to local probation areas.
	(23) Prior to April 2001, the Home Office provided 80 per cent. grant funding to probation services. Local authorities funded the balance of 20 per cent. from grant provided by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

Public Enquiry Office, Lunar House

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were dealt with at the PEO at Lunar House on Monday 11 November.

Beverley Hughes: There were 1,129 callers to Croydon's Public Enquiry Office on 11 November 2002.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Local Authorities (Fraud)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many (a) local authority staff and (b) members of the public were found to have been involved in fraudulent activities against local authorities in each year since 1997; and at what financial cost.

Christopher Leslie: Auditors appointed by the Audit Commission have been instructed to report to the commission all cases of fraud over £1,000 in value. Benefit frauds of up to £5,000 can be reported jointly, but those over £5,000 are reported individually. The number of fraud cases arising from staff actions (some of which involved more than one member of staff) were:
	
		
			 Year Number of cases Total value (£) Including number of benefits cases Value of  benefits cases (£) 
		
		
			 1997–98 1,372 5,093,871 729 1,126,680 
			 1998–99 936 3,409,833 369 809,039 
			 1999–2000 877 4,212,967 405 762,907 
			 2000–01 1,304 4,378,461 722 1,838,833 
			 Totals 4,489 17,095,132 2,225 4,537,459 
		
	
	Figures on the exact number of members of the public involved in fraudulent activities against local authorities are not held centrally. The number of fraud cases arising from actions outside of local authorities (for example members of the public, suppliers etc.) were:
	
		
			 Year Number of cases Total value (£) Value of benefits cases (£) 
		
		
			 1997–98 231,540 83,605,802 76,792,355 
			 1998–99 229,826 100,985,614 93,891,266 
			 1999–2000 145,302 96,258,275 91,683,235 
			 2000–01 111,890 100,005,357 92,948,383 
			 Totals 718,558 380,855,048 355,315,239

Local Government Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what proportion of the standard spending assessments in each local authority in England and Wales was financed by total external support in (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 2002–03; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the level of (a) total external support and (b) standard spending assessment was in each individual local authority in England and Wales in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 2002–03.

Nick Raynsford: The figures for the proportion of the standard spending assessments in each local authority in England that was financed by total external support in 1996–97, 1997–98 and 2002–03 have been placed in the House Library. Figures for Welsh authorities are the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government.
	The figures for the level of total external support and standard spending assessment for each individual local authority in England in 1996–97, 1997–98 and 2002–03 have been placed in the House Library. Figures for Welsh authorities are the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government.
	Total external support consists of revenue support grant, redistributed national non-domestic rates, central support protection grant, SSA reduction grant, principal formula police grant and GLA general grant.

Local Government Finance

Nick Harvey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact changes in the local government formula grant will have on public services in North Devon; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: We will announce the new system for distributing Formula Grant, including detailed grant allocations for individual authorities, at the time of the provisional local government finance settlement which we expect to be around the start of December. Once the Government has allocated its grant, decisions about budgets and services are primarily for local councils to make. However, we have already guaranteed that no authority will face a cut in grant next year on a like for like basis, and we hope to do better than that when we announce the actual floors and ceilings scheme as part of the provisional settlement.

Local Government Finance

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the level of central funding by his Department of (a) Cheshire county council, (b) Chester city council, (c) Vale Royal borough council and (d) Crewe and Nantwich borough council in each of the last five years; and what the average funding of county, city and borough councils in England was in those years.

Nick Raynsford: The available information on funding provided by my Office for the local authorities for which figures were requested is given in the tables.
	The figures included in the tables exclude funding provided by the former Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the former Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions for areas of work that are now the responsibility of the Department for Transport and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
	
		Cheshire county council -- £000
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Revenue funding  
			 Revenue support grant 245,586 156,322 160,037 152,227 166,347 
			 Redistributed business rates 190,219 136,007 148,064 168,034 163,467 
			 Beacon council grant — — — — 39 
			 Invest to save budget(24) — — — 235 235 
			 Total revenue funding 435,805 292,329 308,101 320,496 330,088 
			   
			 Capital funding 
			 Basic credit approvals issued 6,515 6,160 6,831 6,554 4,237 
			 Reorganisation costs SCA(25) 2,169 1,980 — — — 
			 Capital challenge—non-housing SCA(25) 1,285 1,525 550 — — 
			 Social housing grant — — — — 13 
			 Total capital funding 9,969 9,665 7,381 6,554 4,250 
		
	
	(24)25 per cent. is capital funding
	(25)SCA = supplementary credit approvals
	
		Chester city council -- £000
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Revenue funding 
			 Revenue support grant 3,430 3,390 3,381 3,223 3,458 
			 Redistributed business rates 3,812 3,824 4,082 4,521 4,412 
			 Central support protection grant — — 100 — — 
			 Housing revenue account subsidy(26) 4,989 4,341 3,807 2,220 72 
			 Supporting people grant — — — — 20 
			 Total revenue funding 12,231 11,555 11,370 9,964 7,962 
			   
			 Capital funding 
			 Basic credit approvals issued — — 2,163 2,628 624 
			 Capital challenge—non-housing SCA(27) 1,218 491 — — — 
			 Capital receipts initiative—non-housing SCA(27) — 159 — — — 
			 Capital receipts initiative—housing SCA(27) 310 1,090 964 — — 
			 Cash incentive scheme SCA(27) 140 65 — — — 
			 Social housing grant 53 20 235 — 321 
			 Housing defects grants—loan charges: repurchase(28) 2 2 2 2 2 
			 Single regeneration budget(29) 672 912 897 745 706 
			 Total capital funding 2,395 2,739 4,261 3,375 1,653 
		
	
	(26) HRA subsidy figures for 2001–02 are estimates, as payments have yet to be completed. Chester city council has been given permission to close its housing revenue account, but has not yet done so.
	(27) SCA = supplementary credit approvals.
	(28) Eligible for housing defects grant in 2000–01 and 2001–02, but not claimed.
	(29) Paid to Chester city council as the accountable body for the regeneration of West Chester project. This excludes any SRB funding paid to the council as project deliverer.
	
		Crewe and Nantwich -- £000
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Revenue funding 
			 Revenue support grant 3,107 3,258 3,166 2,996 3,289 
			 SSA reduction grant 284 — — — — 
			 Redistributed business rates 3,606 3,646 3,924 4,359 4,289 
			 Central support protection grant — — 98 — — 
			 Housing revenue account subsidy(30) 3,781 3,379 3,044 2,520 5,677 
			 Supporting people grant — — — — 20 
			 Total revenue funding 10,778 10,283 10,232 9,875 13,275 
			 Capital funding 
			 Basic credit approvals issued 914 650 752 2,747 447 
			 Capital receipts initiative—non-housing SCA(31) — 50 — — — 
			 Capital receipts initiative—housing SCA(31) 256 900 747 — — 
			 Social housing grant 24 — 41 44 206 
			 Housing defects grants for loan charges: reinstatements(32) 52 52 52 52 52 
			 Housing defects grants for loan charges: repurchase(32) 2 2 2 2 2 
			 Total capital funding 1,248 1,654 1,594 2,845 707 
		
	
	(30) HRA subsidy figures for 2001–02 are estimates, as payments have yet to be completed.
	(31) SCA = supplementary credit approvals.
	(32) 2001–02 housing defects grant figures are provisional.
	
		Vale Royal -- £000
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Revenue funding 
			 Revenue support grant 1,936 1,935 1,819 1,557 1,809 
			 SSA reduction grant 30 — — — — 
			 Redistributed business rates 3,640 3,696 4,014 4,485 4,442 
			 Central support protection grant — — 132 — — 
			 Housing revenue account subsidy(33) 2,979 2,268 1,721 1,321 4,953 
			 Neighbourhood warden team — — — — 23 
			 Supporting people grant — — — — 20 
			 Invest to save budget(34) — — — 48 — 
			 Total revenue funding 8,585 7,899 7,686 7,411 11,247 
			   
			 Capital funding 
			 Basic credit approvals issued 697 193 603 2,570 707 
			 Capital receipts initiative—housing SCA(35) 303 1,048 901 — — 
			 Cash incentive scheme SCA(35) 17 — — — — 
			 Total capital funding 1,017 1,241 1,504 2,570 707 
		
	
	(33) HRA subsidy figures for 2001–02 are estimates, as payments have yet to be completed.
	(34) 25 per cent. is capital funding.
	(35) SCA = supplementary credit approvals.
	The following table gives information on the combined total of revenue support grant and redistributed businesses rates paid to shire county councils and shire district councils in each of the last five years.
	
		Revenue support grant and redistributed business rates -- £ million
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Shire counties 6,478 10,048 10,545 11,036 11,524 
			 Shire districts 1,348 1,346 1,377 1,430 1,496 
			   
			 Average amount per authority 
			 Shire counties 190.5 295.5 310.1 324.6 338.9 
			 Shire districts 5.2 5.7 5.8 6.0 6.3

Planning (Surrey)

Sue Doughty: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received concerning Surrey County Council's Spatial Strategy; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: Since the publication of the draft Spatial Strategy in July, the First Secretary of State has received almost 250 representations from Surrey residents about possible housing development north east and north west of Guildford and south of Woking. We will consider what representations to make on the Deposit Draft Structure Plan, if any, when it is issued for public consultation.

Population Estimates

Ann Winterton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate the population of each standard region of England; and for what reasons the standard region is being used as the basic unit for elected regional assemblies.

Nick Raynsford: Annex A of the White Paper XYour Region, Your Choice" (Cm 5511) includes the most recent population figures for each region at the time of the publication of the White Paper in May 2002. These figures were drawn from XRegional Trends 36" (Office for National Statistics, 2001). The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, as published in XRegional Trends 37", will be placed in the Library.
	Chapter 6 of the White Paper makes clear that these regions represent the existing administrative boundaries used by the Government Offices for the regions, the regional development agencies and other parts of central Government, as well as being the standard statistical regions used by the Office for National Statistics. These regions have existed for various planning and statistical purposes since the Second World War, with minor changes over time. They are also a credible size to support a regional assembly and to differentiate the assembly from local government in the region.

Regional Assemblies

Ann Winterton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the ways in which elected regional assemblies will increase democratic accountability; what proposals he has to encourage voter interest in regional assembly elections; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: A detailed assessment of the ways in which elected regional assemblies will increase democratic accountability is set out in the White Paper XYour Region, Your Choice" (Cm 5511), particularly in chapters 1 and 3.
	Publicity about voting in elections for regional assemblies will be a matter for the Electoral Commission. More generally, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has embarked upon an ambitious programme of electoral modernisation pilot schemes, of which the aim is to make voting more straightforward, efficient, secure and above all readily accessible to all electors.